Lok Sabha Elections 2024: What Is Model Code Of Conduct?
In simple terms, the Model Code of Conduct is a set of norms for political parties and candidates to create a "level playing field". The MCC aims to keep campaign, polling and counting orderly, clean and peaceful and check any abuse of state machinery and finances by the party in power.
The process to elect the next government of India officially got underway with the Election Commission of India (ECI) announcing the schedule for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls on Saturday.
With the announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabha election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct also came into effect. It will be in place until the announcement of the results.
REUTERS
What is Model Code Of Conduct
In simple terms, the Model Code of Conduct is a set of norms for political parties and candidates to create a "level playing field".
The MCC aims to keep campaign, polling and counting orderly, clean and peaceful and check any abuse of state machinery and finances by the party in power.
MCC on campaigning
The MCC states that no party or candidate shall indulge in any activity that may aggravate existing differences create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic.
BCCL
It says that candidates should not appeal to caste or communal feelings to secure votes or use places of worship as a forum for election propaganda.
According to the MCC, candidates or parties cannot canvas within 100 meters of polling stations.
They also cannot hold public meetings during the period of 48 hours before the poll date.
What ministers can't do
MCC prevents ministers and other authorities from announcing any financial grants, laying foundation stones of projects, making promises of projects and making appointments to influence the voters.
History of Model Code Of Conduct
According to ECI, the MCC was first implemented during assembly elections in Kerala in 1960 when the administration tried to evolve a code of conduct for the political parties.
BCCL
The Model Code of Conduct was first issued by the Election Commission of India under the title of 'Minimum Code of Conduct' on September 26, 1968 during the Mid-Term Elections 1968-69. The code was further revised in 1979, 1982, 1991 and 2013.
Legal status of Model Code Of Conduct
While MCC does not enjoy any statutory backing, the Supreme Court has upheld its sanctity on several occasions. The Election Commission is fully authorised to investigate any violation of the code, and pronounce punishment.
A parliamentary panel had in 2013 recommended that MCC be granted legal backing to ensure there is no vacuum for ECI to exercise its power, which is residuary in nature.
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