Why does the ECI impose MCC, and how does it work throughout the elections?
Here is the way of working - the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) throughout the elections
On March 16, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that the Lok Sabha elections would take place in seven phases, starting on April 19 and ending on June 1, with the results being declared on June 4. As a result, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has been enforced.
Rajiv Kumar, the Chief Election Commissioner, urged all political parties and their leaders to follow the MCC strictly, which contains a list of dos and don'ts for parties and leaders ahead of elections. The Code prohibits the government from announcing policy decisions, among other things.
The MCC issued by the ECI is a collection of guidelines that govern political parties and candidates before elections. The regulations cover a wide range of topics, including speeches, polling day, polling booths, portfolios, election manifestos' content, processions, and overall conduct, to ensure that free and fair elections are carried out.
The MCC will come into effect from the day the election schedule is announced, which is March 16 and will continue until the date when the results are declared, which is June 4.
The MCC consists of eight provisions that deal with general conduct, meetings, processions, polling day, polling booths, observers, the party in power, and election manifestos.
Once the Code takes effect, the party that holds power, whether at the national or state level, must ensure that it refrains from using its official position for election campaigning. This means that no policies, projects, or schemes can be announced that may influence voting behavior. Additionally, the party must avoid advertising at the expense of the public exchequer or using official mass media to promote its achievements to increase its chances of winning the elections.
The regulations state that government officials are prohibited from mixing official visits with election-related activities or utilizing official resources for election purposes. The political party in power is not permitted to use government equipment or transportation for election campaigning. The ruling party must ensure that opposition parties are granted the same access to public areas, such as parks, for holding election rallies and that they have equal access to amenities such as helipads.
The MCC lacks legal authority, meaning that anyone who violates it cannot be prosecuted under any provision of the Indian Penal Code. Compliance with the MCC is entirely voluntary. The Election Commission only uses moral disapproval or condemnation if the MCC is violated.
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