'Focus On Stopping 4Ms': Election Commission Vows Free & Fair Fair Lok Sabha Polls

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar outlined the main challenges the ECI will face ahead of the upcoming elections, which he referred to as 'the 4Ms'.

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar outlined the main challenges going forward, which he referred to as 'the 4Ms'. The country is scheduled to vote in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, with the results set to be announced on June 4. During a press briefing, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar categorised the challenges facing the Election Commission into four main areas: Money power, Muscle power, Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations, and Misinformation.

Muscle Power

To combat pre-poll violence, post-poll disputes, and campaigning disturbances, Kumar emphasised the deployment of an adequate number of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Integrated control rooms will operate round-the-clock in each district, overseen by senior officials, to monitor television, webcasting, social media, and grievance reports via the helpline 195 or the portal. Immediate and strict action will be taken upon receiving any complaints related to violence.

Kumar said, "There is no place for bloodbath and violence in the elections. From wherever we will receive the information of violence, we will take action against them."

To curb illegal activities, a network of checkposts at international, state, and intra-state points has been established. Drones will surveil specific international border checkpoints to enhance monitoring efforts.

Money Power

In the 2022-23 election cycle, cash seizures surged over 800% to Rs 3,400 crore in 11 states compared to five years ago. Enforcement agencies are directed to crack down on illicit money, liquor, drugs, and other freebies, with heightened vigilance against disruptive tactics.

All monetary transactions, including those via e-wallets, will be scrutinised. Authorities will thoroughly inspect helicopters and non-scheduled chartered flights to prevent illegal transport of cash or contraband. These measures aim to ensure a cleaner election process than previous ones.

Model Code of Conduct (MCC) Violations

The Election Commission has established guidelines to regulate political parties and candidates before elections. Political parties' star campaigners will adhere to these guidelines, which include refraining from divisive statements, hate speeches, or religious speeches. Criticism of the private lives of members of rival parties is prohibited. Political ads are not supposed to masquerade as news, they should look like political ads, said the CEC. 

Misinformation

CEC Rajiv Kumar highlighted the dual nature of social media, acknowledging its role in both facilitating election outreach and spreading misinformation. While individuals are encouraged to express their opinions freely, disseminating misinformation can disrupt public order.

Under Section (79)(3)(B) of the IT Act, nodal officers have the authority to remove unlawful content across almost all districts.

The Election Commission plans to combat misinformation through initiatives like 'Myth vs. Reality', aiming to debunk false narratives by disseminating factual information through its platform.