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The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) that govern the conduct of political parties, candidates, and voters during elections. Its main aim is to ensure free and fair elections by creating a level playing field for all contestants, preventing misuse of power, and maintaining the dignity of the electoral process.
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) that govern the conduct of political parties, candidates, and voters during elections. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in India originated during the 1960 Kerala State Legislative Assembly Elections, where state authorities introduced guidelines to regulate political conduct.
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into effect from the moment the election schedule is announced, be it for the Parliament, state Assemblies, districts, or by-elections.
The MCC is enforced by the Election Commission of India. It monitors the actions of political parties, candidates, and government officials to ensure compliance with the code.
Opinion polls can be conducted during the election period but must not be published 48 hours before voting.
Exit polls are prohibited from being published until all phases of the election are complete.
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in India originated during the 1960 Kerala State Legislative Assembly Elections, where state authorities introduced guidelines to regulate political conduct. Subsequently, its adoption gained national prominence during the 1962 Lok Sabha Elections. Circulated to recognized states and political parties, the Code was voluntarily embraced, aiming to foster a fair electoral environment. However, the Election Commission first effectively put it in place in 1991 guiding the behavior and practices of political entities to maintain the integrity of the democratic process.
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into effect from the moment the election schedule is announced, be it for the Parliament, state Assemblies, districts, or by-elections. For Assembly elections, the MCC is applicable to the entire poll-bound state, while in the case of Parliamentary or general elections, it extends to the entire country. Additionally, for by-elections at the district level, the MCC is valid throughout the specific district where the election is scheduled to take place. The MCC remains in force throughout the election period, ensuring that political parties and candidates adhere to ethical standards and maintain a fair and transparent electoral process.
The code of conduct has eight parts as follows:-
The MCC is just a notification by the ECI and not given under a law of the Parliament. However, in 2013 there was a recommendation to incorporate the MCC in Representation of People Act, 1951 by the Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice. This was refuted by ECI on following grounds:-
The MCC serves as a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure fair election campaigning, ethical conduct, and transparency, fostering an environment conducive to free and open discussions about candidates, parties, and policies. Its extensive evolving guidelines are important in facilitating free and fair elections in India. Its implementation however is tricky and there needs to be enhanced infrastructure and manpower for ECI to ensure comprehensive coverage and quick action to curb unethical practices. This will also ensure that allegations of discrimination in implementation of MCC itself can be thwarted.
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