What's Model Code of Conduct? How it came into being and what's allowed and what's not
Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into force with the announcement of voting dates today by Election Commission of India (ECI), marking a significant aspect of electoral governance. The MCC, which traces its origins back to the assembly elections in Kerala in 1960, has evolved over the past six decades to its present form, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI).
What's Model Code of Conduct?
The MCC serves as a set of conventions unanimously agreed upon by all stakeholders involved in the electoral process. Its primary objective is to ensure that campaigns, polling, and counting proceed in an orderly, transparent, and peaceful manner. Additionally, it serves as a mechanism to curb any misuse of state machinery and financial resources by the ruling party. Notably, the MCC does not possess any statutory backing but has been upheld by the Supreme Court on multiple occasions.
What Activities Are Prohibited After Implementation of MCC?
Ministers and other authorities are barred from announcing any financial grants or making commitments once the elections are announced, as per the guidelines of the election panel.
Once the dates for the Lok Sabha elections are announced, ministers and other authorities are also restricted from laying foundation stones or initiating projects or schemes of any kind, except civil servants.
No project or scheme that may sway voters in favor of the ruling party can be announced after the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. Additionally, ministers are prohibited from
