What is ECI's Model Code of Conduct (MCC)? What does it come into force? Meaning, history, significance, other important things to know about the crucial document

What is the Election Commission of India's Model Code of Conduct? The Election Commission of India's Model Code of Conduct (MCC), a document containing guidelines meant for political parties during elections, came into effect after the poll agency announced the schedule of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on March 16. The ECI's MCC also specifies a long list of dos and don'ts for political parties and candidates, with an aim to ensure fair and ethical conduct while promoting transparency and accountability of the polling process, and a level playing field during elections. By setting these standards, the ECI upholds the integrity of the electoral process and promotes democratic values in the country.

The Model Code of Conduct covers a wide range of aspects related to elections, including provisions related to general conduct, meetings, campaigning, meetings, public speeches, polling booth agents, and security measures, with a primary focus on ethical behaviour, campaigning norms, and election-related activities. 

All in all, the ECI's Model Code of Conduct seeks to ensure that elections are conducted without any malpractices or misuse of power. 

While announcing the schedule of the 2024 general elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar urged political parties and candidates to maintain decorum during campaigning in the run-up to the mega, five-yearly event. The CEC said that polling for the 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases, and the counting of votes will take place on June 4.

ALSO READ: Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Full Schedule: Election Commission announces phase-wise dates, CEC Rajiv Kumar says voting to be held in 7 phases

Here are 10 important things to know about the Election Commission's Model Code of Conduct: 

1. Importance: The ECI's Model Code of Conduct plays a crucial role in promoting ethical behaviour and preventing malpractices during elections. It prohibits parties and candidates from indulging in activities that may unfairly influence voters or disturb the peace and tranquility of the election process. 

It is by laying out these instructions that the MCC helps in creating a conducive environment for voters, enabling them to make informed choices without any external pressures.

2. When does the MCC come into force?

The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into force as soon as the Election Commission announces the schedule for elections. In 2024, the guidelines took effect on March 16. 

3. Applicability

The MCC applies to political parties, candidates, and the government once the election dates are announced until the results are declared.

4. Campaigning restrictions: The MCC prohibits parties and candidates from engaging in activities that could create hatred or tension between different communities. 

5. Expenditure limits: The ECI's MCC sets limits on the amount of money that can be spent by candidates during the election campaign. 

This helps in curbing corruption and ensures that all candidates have an equal opportunity to contest elections.

6. Focus on ethics: The MCC includes a code of ethics that outlines the expected behaviour of political parties and candidates. 
The code emphasises the need for honesty, integrity, and respect for democratic values.

7. Monitoring Mechanism

The ECI has a robust monitoring mechanism in place to ensure compliance with the MCC, including flying squads, static surveillance teams, and expenditure observers. The squads, comprising officials and security personnel, are rapid response teams tasked with ensuring fair and peaceful elections. 

8. MCC prohibits misuse of power

The MCC prohibits the use of government resources for campaigning, making communal appeals to secure votes, and organising roadshows without prior permission. For instance, the time and place of the starting of any procession, the route to be followed, and the time and place at which the procession will terminate should be settled in advance and advance permissions obtained from the police authorities, as per the code. 

It also restricts the use of loudspeakers, posters, and banners without authorisation.

9. What happens in case of violations? 

Any violation of the guidelines set by the ECI in the MCC can lead to penalties such as disqualification of candidates, cancellation of elections, or legal action against the offenders. Individuals can file complaints with the ECI or the Chief Electoral Officer of their state regarding violations of the MCC.

10. History of Model Code of Conduct

While the origin of the code dates back to the Kerala elections in 1960, the first code was issued as 'Minimum Code of Conduct' by the poll agency in September 1968. 

The ECI's Model Code of Conduct has undergone a series of changes over the decades.

ALSO READ: What are Lok Sabha elections? | What are Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) Elections? How are they different from General (Lok Sabha) Elections? | What is Election Commission of India (ECI)? 

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