Model Code of Conduct 2024: The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the dates for the Lok Sabha elections on March 16th. The voting will take place in seven phases, from April 19th to June 1st, 2024. The election results will be declared on June 4th, 2024. Following the announcement, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was immediately enforced.
About Model Code of Conduct Election
Lok Sabha Election 2024 code of conduct date: Starting from the evening of March 16th, 2024, until June 6th, 2024.
What is the model code of conduct Election 2024?
Model Code of Conduct Lok Sabha Election 2024: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to regulate the behavior of political parties and candidates during elections. These rules provide a list of dos and don’ts that must be followed by leaders and parties before and during elections.
The guidelines cover various aspects of campaigning, speeches, election manifestos, polling day, booths, portfolios, processions, general conduct, and meetings. It is mandatory for everyone, including the government, to comply with this code until the end of the election period. The primary objective of this code is to ensure that elections are conducted freely and fairly.
As per the mandate of Article 324 of the Constitution, the MCC assists the EC in ensuring that elections are conducted in a free and fair manner.
When model code of conduct starts?
Date of Enforcement: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of rules enforced by the Election Commission as soon as the election schedule is announced. For the 2024 election, the MCC became active on the evening of March 16th, 2024, immediately after the announcement of the voting dates.
Duration of Application: The MCC remains in effect until the election results are declared. In the case of a bye-election, Model Code will no longer be in effect after the result of the bye-election is declared by the Returning officer.
Who Are Covered Under Model Code?
The provisions of Model Code apply to all organizations/committees, corporations/commissions etc, funded wholly or partially by the Central Government or any State Government.
What is ECI?
The Election Commission of India is an independent organization responsible for overseeing elections for Parliament, State Legislature, President, and Vice President in India.
Model Code of Conduct Assam
Assam Code of Conduct: The Assam election code of conduct came into effect on March 16th. This Model Code of Conduct Assam will remain until the end of the election. The Assam elections are scheduled for April 19th, April 26th, and May 7th, with the results set to be declared on June 4th.
- Election Date in Assam 2024 Code of Conduct:
- Phase 1: April 19
- Phase 2: April 26
- Phase 3: May 7
For more details, check out- Lok Sabha Election 2024 Assam.
MCC Introduction & Evolution
When was MCC introduced?
- The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) started in 1960 in Kerala during Assembly elections, where a ‘Code of Conduct’ was established by the State administration.
- During the 1962 Lok Sabha elections, the EC circulated this code to all recognized political parties and State governments, and it was widely followed.
- In 1991, due to repeated violations of election norms, the EC decided to enforce the MCC more strictly.
What are the restrictions during model code of conduct?
- According to the Election Commission, the guidelines state that the ruling party, whether at the national or state level, should not use its official position for campaigning.
- The Ministers and the government officials are not allowed to announce any financial grants.
- Projects or schemes that may influence voters in favor of the ruling party are prohibited, and ministers cannot use official resources for campaign purposes.
What happens when the code is violated?
- The Election Commission (EC) issues a notice to a political party or politician suspected of violating the code, based on a complaint.
- The accused party or individual is required to respond in writing, either admitting to the violation or presenting their defense.
Note: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) does not possess independent legal enforcement. However, certain rules within it can be enforced through laws such as the Indian Penal Code (IPC) or the Representation of the People Act.
Election Commission of India News
Ahead of General Elections 2024, ECI warns political parties to maintain decorum in public campaigning on 1 March, conveys stern action against direct or indirect MCC violations
| ECI- Advisory to Political Parties, candidates, and Star Campaigners PDF | Download Here |
Advisory to Political Parties, candidates, and Star Campaigners
- No appeal shall be made on the basis of caste/communal feelings of the electors. No activity, which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes/communities/religious/linguistic groups, shall be attempted.
- The political parties and leaders shall not make false statements, utterances without factual basis aimed at misleading the voters. Criticism of other parties or their workers on the basis of unverified allegations or on distortions shall be avoided.
- No aspect of the private life, not connected with the public activities, of the leaders or workers of other parties is to be criticised. Low level personal attacks to insult the rivals shall not be made.
- No temples/mosques/churches/gurudwaras or any places of worship are to be used for election propaganda or electioneering. References which ridicule the relations between devotee and deity or suggestions of divine censure shall not be made.
- The political parties and candidates to refrain from any deeds/action/utterances that may be construed as being repugnant to the honour and dignity of women.
- Unverified and misleading advertisements are not to be given in the media.
- Advertisements masquerading as news items are not to be given.
- Social media posts vilifying and insulting the rivals or posts which are in bad taste or which are below dignity are not to be posted or shared.
Important Links
| Election Commission of India Website | Click Here |
| MCC Guidance For Political Parties and Candidates Link | Click Here |
| ECI X (Formerly Twitter) | Click Here |
| ECI Facebook | Click Here |
| ECI Instagram | Click Here |
FAQs
1. What do you mean by code of conduct for election campaign?
The Model Code of Conduct provides a set of guidelines that must be adhered to by political parties and candidates participating in elections.
2. When code of conduct starts?
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) becomes active immediately after the Election Commission announces the election schedule and it remains in effect until the election results are declared.
3. Can the Election Commission use the Model Code before announcing the election?
The Election Commission doesn’t address reported Model Code violations before announcing the election.