Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the conduct of political parties and candidates during elections, aimed at ensuring free and fair elections.

Model Code of Conduct: An Overview

The MCC was first introduced in the state assembly elections in Kerala in 1960. Since then, it has been refined and applied to all subsequent elections at both state and national levels. The MCC comes into effect from the date immediately when the election dates are declared by the ECI and remains till the election results are announced. The MCC applies to all elections from the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies to local bodies.

General Conduct

• No Party Promises: Political parties and candidates must refrain from making promises that are likely to exert undue influence on voters.
• Non-aggression: There should be no personal attacks on rivals. Criticism should be limited to policies and programmes, past records, and work.
• Prohibition of Corrupt Practices: Bribery, intimidation, and other corrupt practices are prohibited.

Meetings

• Inform Local Police: Notify local police authorities about the venue and time of any proposed meeting in advance for traffic control and maintaining peace.
• Check for Orders: Verify if there are any restrictive or prohibitory orders in place for the proposed meeting location and follow them. Apply for exemptions if needed.
• Obtain Permissions: Apply for and secure any necessary permissions or licenses for using loudspeakers or other facilities well in advance.
• Seek Police Assistance: Organizers should seek the assistance of police on duty for managing disruptions, rather than taking action themselves.

Polling Day Responsibilities of Political Parties and Candidates

• Cooperate with Election Officers: Work with election officers to ensure peaceful polling and allow voters to exercise their rights without obstruction or annoyance.
• Provide Badges/Identity Cards: Supply authorized workers with suitable badges or identity cards.
• Identity Slip Guidelines: Ensure that identity slips given to voters are on plain (white) paper and do not include any symbols, candidate names, or party names.
• No Liquor Distribution: Refrain from serving or distributing liquor on polling day and during the 48 hours leading up to it.
• Manage Crowds: Prevent unnecessary crowds near political party or candidate camps at polling booths to avoid confrontations and tensions.
• Simple Camps: Maintain simple candidate camps without displaying posters, flags, symbols, or other propaganda materials. No food or large crowds are allowed at the camps.
• Vehicle Permits: Cooperate with authorities regarding vehicle restrictions on polling day and ensure permits are obtained and displayed prominently.

Role of Election Observers

• Appointment of Observers: ECI appoints observers to monitor the election process.
• Raise Complaints: Candidates or their agents can bring specific complaints or problems about the conduct of elections to the attention of the appointed Observer.

Prohibitory Period for Release of Manifesto

• Single-Phase Election: Manifestos cannot be released during the prohibitory period as prescribed under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
• Multi-Phase Election: Manifestos cannot be released during the prohibitory periods for all phases of the elections, as specified under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Note:Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951: Prescribes a prohibitory period of forty-eight hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of the poll.