Model Code of Conduct in Elections



To conduct a fair election in a diversified country like India is extremely difficult. A unity in diversity can only pull this off. It means everyone is responsible in the conduct of elections, from contestants to voters. However, the political parties have the biggest role in ensuring that the election is conducted successfully.



So, in 1968, a Model Code of Conduct was agreed by all the political parties and the Election Commission first effectively put it to use in 1991. The following are the guidelines of the Model Code of Conduct for the Political Parties:

General Conduct

1.       The party should not perform any activity which may intensify the existing differences or create any hatred among the people.
2.       The party can only criticize others on their policies, past records and work. Any allegation on private life and work not connected with public activities should be avoided.
3.       There should be no appeal to communal feelings or caste.
4.       All parties should avoid malpractices and giving transport for voters to reach their polling booth.
5.       The opinions of public should be respected, and no party can protest against their opinions.
6.       No party can permit its followers to use any individual buildings, land to erect flags, banners, slogans, etc.
7.       Workers of one political party should not obstruct the processions of other parties.


Meetings

1.       The party should inform the local police about any proposed meeting well in time to ensure law and order are maintained.
2.       The party shall ascertain in advance if there are any restrictive orders in force in the place proposed for the meeting.
3.       To obtain and use loudspeakers or any other facility, the party should apply to the authority well in advance to obtain permission or license.
4.       Organisers should not take any actions by themselves against anyone who is disturbing a meeting and must seek help of the police.

Processions

1.       A party who organizes marches should decide the time, place and the route and there should not be any deviation.
2.       The organisers should give advance notice to the local police authorities.
3.       The party shall ascertain in advance if there are any restrictive orders in force in the place where the procession has to pass and should follow unless exempted by the authority. Also, traffic regulations should be carefully followed.
4.       If two or more political parties take processions at the same time and place, the organisers should establish contact well in advance and decide the measures to avoid clashes. The assistance of police can be taken for arriving to a satisfactory arrangement.
5.       The figures representing other political parties or leaders should be avoided by the party doing processions. Any burning of figures or any other demonstrations is against the conduct.

Polling Day

1.       All parties should cooperate with the officers on election duty to ensure peaceful and orderly polling.
2.       All parties should supply their workers with badges or identity cards.
3.       The parties must refrain from serving any liquor on polling day.
4.       The parties should not allow unnecessary crowd to be collected near the camps of political parties to avoid tension among workers and sympathizers.
5.       The camps should be simple. It means no symbols, posters, flags or eatery.


Party in Power

1.       The ministers should not combine their official visit with electioneering work and should not use their official machinery in electioneering work.
2.       Government transport should not be used for continuance of the interest of the party in power.
3.       Public place should not be monopolized for itself.
4.       Rest houses and other government accommodations should not be monopolized by the party in power.
5.       Misuse of media and advertisement for coverage of news to further its chances to remain in power should be avoided.
6.       Ministers cannot sanction grants out of discretionary funds from the time elections are announced.
7.       Ministers of Central or State government shall not enter polling station or place of counting except as a voter or authorized agent.

Manifestos

1.       The election manifesto should not contain anything offensive to the ideals and principles in the Constitution.
2.       The parties should avoid making promises which extent undue influence on the voters. They can promise welfare measures for the citizens in their manifestos as they are contained in the constitution.
3.       The manifestos should reflect the rationale for the promises and indicate the ways and means to meet the financial requirements for it.

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