The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued directions for the strict implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) following the announcement of Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
The Commission announced the election schedule for the five States and Union Territory on March 15. Notifications issued by the Election Commission and the respective governments of Assam, Kerala and Puducherry have been published in their official gazettes.
With the announcement of the election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect in the concerned States and Union Territory. The MCC will also apply to the Central Government in relation to policy announcements and decisions concerning these regions.
The Commission has directed Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the MCC. These include removal of defacement from government, public and private properties and preventing misuse of official vehicles or government accommodation by political parties, candidates or their supporters. The Commission has also banned advertisements at the cost of the public exchequer during the election period.
The Election Commission said the privacy of citizens must be respected and demonstrations or picketing outside private residences are not permitted. It also directed that flags, banners and posters should not be displayed on private property without the owner’s consent.
To monitor complaints related to MCC violations, a dedicated complaint system has been activated. Citizens and political parties can register complaints through the 1950 Call Centre or by using the C-Vigil mobile application on ECINET.
The Commission has deployed more than 5,173 flying squads across the States and Union Territory to address complaints within 100 minutes. In addition, over 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) have been deployed to ensure effective monitoring.
Political parties have been asked to inform local police authorities in advance about meetings and processions to facilitate traffic and security arrangements. Necessary permissions must also be obtained for the use of loudspeakers or other campaign-related facilities.
The Commission has also directed that ministers should not combine official duties with election campaigning and must not use government machinery, vehicles or personnel for election-related activities.
Officials at all levels have been instructed to act impartially while enforcing the Model Code of Conduct and ensure equal treatment of all political parties. They have also been asked to regulate meetings, processions and polling arrangements fairly while maintaining law and order.
The SUVIDHA module on ECINET has also been activated to allow political parties to apply for the use of public spaces such as maidans and helipads. These facilities will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, the Commission said.
