Model Code of Conduct (MCC): for Lok Sabha Election 2024

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has enforced the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The MCC is a set of guidelines that aims to ensure free, fair, and ethical conduct during the election process. It outlines various norms and restrictions for political parties, candidates, and government officials to maintain a level playing field and uphold the integrity of the democratic process.

Prohibitions and Restrictions

The MCC imposes several prohibitions and restrictions to maintain order and prevent undue influence during the election period. These include:

• Campaigning at places of worship: Political parties and candidates are prohibited from using places of worship for campaigning or promoting any particular candidate or party.
• Criticism and personal attacks: While healthy criticism of policies and programs is allowed, criticism based on unverified allegations or distortions, and personal attacks on individuals are discouraged.
• Corrupt practices: The MCC strictly prohibits any form of corrupt practices, such as bribery, intimidation, or impersonation, by political parties, candidates, or their supporters.
• Respect for private property: Parties and candidates are required to respect private property and obtain necessary permissions before using any private premises for campaigning purposes.
• Peaceful political activities: All political activities must be conducted peacefully, without any form of violence, intimidation, or coercion.
• Regulation of rallies and meetings: Political rallies and meetings must adhere to guidelines issued by the ECI and local authorities to maintain law and order and prevent disruption of public life.
• Traffic management: Proper traffic management plans must be in place during rallies and meetings to minimize inconvenience to the public.
• Prohibition of effigy burning: The burning of effigies or symbolic representations of individuals is strictly prohibited, as it may lead to tension and violence.
• Regulation of candidate camps: The establishment of campaign offices or camps by candidates must comply with local laws and regulations.

Election Manifestos and Freebies

The MCC also provides guidelines for political parties and candidates regarding their election manifestos and the announcement of freebies or populist promises. While parties are free to include their policy proposals and Vision statements in their manifestos, the ECI has urged them to exercise caution and avoid making unrealistic or irrational promises that may unduly influence voters.

The issue of freebies or populist measures, such as cash transfers or free distribution of goods and services, has been a contentious topic. The ECI has advised parties and candidates to refrain from making promises that violate the Constitution or existing laws, or put an unnecessary burden on public finances.

The MCC emphasizes that manifestos and promises should be carefully scrutinized by the parties themselves, and they should be prepared to justify the rationale, financial implications, and feasibility of their proposals.

Way Forward

The Model Code of Conduct plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and fairness of the electoral process in India. By imposing various restrictions and guidelines, it aims to create a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, while also maintaining law and order and preventing undue influence on voters.

The prohibitions on campaigning at places of worship, personal attacks, and corrupt practices are essential to maintain the sanctity of the democratic process and promote healthy political discourse. The regulations on rallies, traffic management, and effigie burning are aimed at preventing disruptions to public life and maintaining peace and order.

The guidelines on election manifestos and freebies are intended to encourage responsible and realistic promises from political parties, ensuring that voters are not unduly influenced by populist measures that may not be feasible or sustainable in the long run.

Effective implementation and adherence to the MCC by all stakeholders, including political parties, candidates, government officials, and the general public, is crucial for the successful conduct of free and fair elections. The ECI plays a pivotal role in monitoring compliance with the MCC and taking appropriate actions in case of violations.

Overall, the Model Code of Conduct is a vital instrument in upholding the democratic principles and values enshrined in the Indian Constitution, ensuring that the will of the people is reflected in the electoral outcomes.