Lok Sabha Poll Dates Announced, Model Code Of Comes Into Effect: What Does It Mean?

The general election for 543 Lok Sabha seats will be held in seven phases from April 19, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced on Saturday. The counting of votes will be held on June 4.

The ECI announced the dates for Lok Sabha and four state Assembly elections. As the EC announced the dates, the Model Code of Code comes into effect.

The MCC is a set of rules that are put in force by the ECI to guarantee free and fair elections. It is a set of norms that have evolved with political parties consenting to abide by the principles embodied in the said code. It also binds them to respect and observe it in its letter and spirit.

Where is the MCC applicable?

The MCC is valid from the date of announcement of an election, either to the Parliament, State Assembly or Districts, and continues through the election in question.

In case of Assembly elections, it is valid throughout the poll-bound state. In the case of Parliamentary or General Elections, the MCC is valid throughout the country.

Where does the Election Commission come into the equation?

The Election Commission ensures the code's observance by political parties including ruling parties at the Centre and in the States. The EC ensures free, fair and peaceful elections to the Parliament and the State Legislatures.

It also ensures that official machinery for electoral purposes is not misused. Further, it ensures that electoral offences, malpractices and corrupt practices such as impersonation, bribing and inducement of voters, threat and intimidation to the voters are prevented.

What are the restrictions during the enforcement of the MCC?

Ministers are prohibited from combining official visits with electioneering activities and cannot utilize official resources or personnel for election purposes.

Furthermore, the use of any transportation, including official aircraft and vehicles, for the benefit of any candidate or political party is strictly forbidden.

A comprehensive ban on the transfer and posting of all officers associated with the election process is enforced, requiring prior approval from the Election Commission for any such action.

Additionally, Ministers, whether from the Union or State, are restricted from summoning election-related officers for official discussions outside the election context.

In cases where Union Ministers must travel outside Delhi for unavoidable official business, a certification from the relevant Ministry/Department Secretary to the Chief Secretary of the concerned State, copied to the Election Commission, is mandated.

Advertisements highlighting party achievements at the expense of public funds in print or electronic media, as well as the misuse of official mass media, are prohibited.

If a scheme has been announced by the State or Union government but no work has commenced during the period of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), initiation of such work is barred. However, ongoing projects may continue.

Moreover, no fresh release of funds from MPs/MLAs/MLCs Local Area Development Fund or any scheme is permitted in areas where elections are underway until the conclusion of the electoral process.

Financial institutions, whether wholly or partially funded by the government, are prohibited from writing off loans or extending credit limits indiscriminately during the election period.