EXPLAINED | What Is Model Code Of Conduct Which Comes Into Effect In All Poll-Bound States From Today

“Any violation of these guidelines will be strictly dealt with,” Chandra added announcing the assembly elections schedule.

(File Photo/ Getty)

New Delhi: With the Election Commission of India announcing the assembly polls schedule for Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur, the Mode Code of Conduct comes into force with immediate effect in these five states.

“Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into effect immediately from announcement of the schedules. Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements for ensuring the effective implementation of the MCC guidelines,” said Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra.

“Any violation of these guidelines will be strictly dealt with,” Chandra added announcing the assembly elections schedule.

What Is Model Code of Conduct?

The Model Code of Conduct or “Aachar Sanhita” is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission for conduct of the political parties and candidates during the elections mainly with respect to speeches, polling day, polling booths, portfolios, election manifestos, processions and general conduct.

All ruling and contesting parties must adhere to the Model Code of Conduct, which comes into force immediately on announcement of the election schedule by the poll panel for the need to ensure free and fair elections.

Designed to avert practices deemed corrupt, these set of norms has been evolved with the consensus of the political parties, who have consented to abide by the principles embodied in the said code in its letter and spirit.

The main purpose of the Model Code of Conduct, which remains in force till the declaration of final results, aims at ensuring that ruling parties -- both at the Centre and in the respective states -- do not misuse their position of advantage to gain an unfair edge.

Violation of Model Code of Conduct:

The Election Commission of India under Article 324 of the Constitution is empowered to call upon any party or candidate against whom a complaint has been lodged.

The poll panel in case of violation generally sends a “show cause notice” to the alleged party asking for valid reasoning as to why action should not be initiated against them.

The alleged party has to respond to the Election Commission notice in writing.

Failing this, the concerned party shall have to comply with proceedings of the Election Commission based on the complaint’s merits.

The poll panel also appoints a committee to evaluate the alleged party’s conduct.

Assembly Polls Schedule:

Uttar Pradesh will vote in seven phases beginning February 10 to March 7.

The assembly elections in Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa will take place in a single phase on February 14.

Manipur will vote in two phases on February 27 and March 3,

The results in all five states will be declared on March 10.