Lok Sabha Elections 2019: What you must know about Model Code of Conduct

The Election Commission of India has imposed 'Model Code of Conduct' (MCC) for the Lok Sabha elections 2019. Know about its history of violations, implications and restrictions.

The Election Commission of India on Sunday imposed 'Model Code of Conduct' (MCC) with immediate effect for the Lok Sabha elections 2019. What is a model code of conduct and when does it kick in? The Code comes into play as soon as the EC announces an Assembly election in a state or the Lok Sabha polls. Article 324 of the Constitution gives the Election Commission the power to monitor Central and state governments, all the candidates and political parties.

In the context of the Lok Sabha elections 2019, the Model Code of Conduct will be in force until after May 19, the last phase of polling. The Lok Sabha poll 2019 results and Assembly election results in four states — Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim — will be declared on May 23. According to the PRS Legislative Research, the Code deals with eight provisions – general conduct, meetings, processions, polling day, polling booths, observers, the party in power, and election manifestos.

Here's what you must know about the Model Code of Conduct:

What is the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)?

This is a set of guidelines issued to regulate political parties and candidates before any elections.

When does it come into effect?

The MCC comes into force as soon as the election schedule is announced. The Code remains in force till election results are declared.

What restrictions does the Model Code of Conduct impose on government and political parties?

The moment MCC is imposed, the party in power at the Centre (in this case, the BJP-led NDA government) and those in states have to ensure that they do not use their position for campaigning. Thus, no project, scheme or policy can be announced by the government. Any campaign by the government cannot be done at the cost of the public exchequer. It cannot use official mass media for publicity to give its party an edge over others in the elections.

Politicians who hold portfolios cannot combine official visits with campaigns. They cannot use government transport for campaigning. The issue of advertisement at the cost of public exchequer in newspapers and other media is also considered an offence.

Business Standard