Skip to main content

Model Code of Conduct for Polling Day

 

As soon as the Election Commission of India (ECI) announces election schedule, the Model of Conduct (MCC) comes into force.  

The MCC is a set of guidelines issued to regulate political parties and candidates prior to elections.

On the day of polling, it's crucial for all political parties and candidates to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and facilitate a conducive environment for voters to exercise their democratic rights freely. 

Here are the key aspects of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) For Polling Day:


1. Cooperation for Peaceful Polling: Political parties and candidates must collaborate with election officers to ensure that polling stations operate smoothly and without any disruptions. This includes allowing voters complete freedom to cast their votes without facing any annoyance or obstruction.


2. Identity Verification: Authorized workers should be provided with suitable badges or identity cards by the parties or candidates to facilitate their roles during the polling process. Identity slips given to voters should be on plain paper without any symbols, candidate names, or party affiliations.


3. Prohibition of Liquor: Serving or distributing liquor on polling day and 48 hours prior to it is strictly prohibited. This measure aims to prevent any undue influence on voters and maintain the sanctity of the electoral process.


4. Crowd Control: Parties and candidates should avoid unnecessary gatherings near polling booths to prevent confrontations and tensions among supporters. Candidate camps should maintain simplicity, refraining from displaying posters, flags, or any propaganda material, and no food should be served to avoid overcrowding.


5. Compliance with Vehicle Restrictions: Cooperation with authorities regarding vehicle restrictions on polling day is essential. Parties and candidates must obtain permits for vehicles used during the election process and prominently display them to adhere to regulations.


By adhering to these guidelines, political parties and candidates can contribute to the smooth conduct of polling day operations, ensuring that voters can cast their ballots without any hindrances and upholding the democratic principles of the electoral process.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

ECI Guidelines on Election Manifestos

  The election manifesto, a crucial document outlining the promises and agenda of political parties, holds significant sway in the electoral process. However, to maintain the integrity of elections and ensure a level playing field, the Supreme Court, in its landmark judgment on July 5th, 2013, directed the Election Commission to frame guidelines for election manifestos in consultation with all recognized political parties. The Supreme Court Judgment Observed: (i) “Although, the law is obvious that the promises in the election manifesto cannot be construed as ‘corrupt practice’ under Section 123 of RP Act, the reality cannot be ruled out that distribution of freebies of any kind, undoubtedly, influences all people. It shakes the root of free and fair elections to a large degree". (ii) “The Election Commission, in order to ensure level playing field between the contesting parties and candidates in elections and also in order to see that the purity of the election process does not ge...
Post a Comment
Read more

Foreign Media Coverage of India's First General Elections

In 1951-52, India embarked on its first general election, marking a historic milestone in the country's democratic journey. This election, conducted over four months, was a remarkable event that shaped the future of Indian democracy The challenges faced by the Election Commission in organizing this massive event were immense, including illiteracy, logistics, and a population of 360 million, with 173 million eligible to vote, 85% of whom could not read or write Despite these challenges, the election was conducted with remarkable success, with 45.7% of the eligible population participating. The first general election was a significant event not only for India but also for the world. It was the largest election conducted in the world at the time, with nearly 1874 candidates and 53 political parties contesting for 489 seats The Indian National Congress, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, won a thumping majority with 364 seats and 45% of the total votes polled. The Communist Party of Indi...
Post a Comment
Read more

Model Code of Conduct for Party in Power During Elections

  In the democratic process, it's imperative for the party in power, whether at the national or state level, to maintain fairness and impartiality during elections.  The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) lays down specific guidelines to ensure that the incumbent party doesn't misuse its official position for electoral gains.  The MCC of the Election Commission of India (ECI) is a set of guidelines issued to regulate political parties and candidates prior to elections. The MCC comes into force from the date the election schedule is announced until the date that results are out. Model Code of Conduct for Party in Power During Elections: 1. Separation of Official Duties and Electioneering: Ministers are prohibited from blending their official duties with election campaign activities. They are barred from utilizing official resources or personnel for electioneering purposes. 2. Non-Partisan Use of Government Resources: Government resources such as transport, aircraft, machinery, ...
Post a Comment
Read more