Model Code of Conduct (MCC)
Context:
The Election Commission has decided to make public its enforcement actions regarding the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during its inaugural month, including specific details of measures taken.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Polity)
About:
-
The Model Code of Conduct is a regulatory framework though without legal backing in the strict sense, designed to ensure a level playing field and uphold the principles of ethical campaigning.
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) emphasizes democratic values such as transparency, fairness, and accountability through MCC enforcement.
Guidelines of MCC:
- The MCC prohibits criticism of political parties based on caste, communal sentiments, unverified reports, bribery, or voter intimidation, focusing instead on policies and records.
- Political parties must inform local police authorities about meeting venues and times to ensure adequate security arrangements.
- Coordination between parties planning processions along the same route is necessary to prevent clashes, with burning effigies representing members of other parties prohibited.
- On polling day, only authorized voters and individuals with EC-issued passes are allowed inside polling booths, and party workers at booths should wear suitable badges or identity cards.
- EC-appointed observers address election-related issues reported by candidates, ensuring fair conduct.
- Restrictions on combining official visits with election work, avoidance of public exchequer expenses or official media use for electoral publicity, and prohibition of announcing financial grants or promises during the election period apply to parties in power.
Highlights:
- This initiative aims to address any misunderstandings or insinuations and enhance transparency in the electoral process.
- Having completed its first month of implementation since its commencement on March 16, 2024, the ECI expresses general satisfaction with the overall compliance of political parties with the MCC.
- The electoral campaigns have largely remained devoid of clutter, indicating a positive adherence to the code by various parties and candidates.
- The Commission has taken a stern stance on matters concerning the dignity and respect of women, issuing notices to party leaders responsible for making derogatory and offensive remarks against women.
Election Commission of India:
- The ECI is established on 25th January, 1950 (National Voters’ Day).
- It is a Constitutional Body that administers Union(Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha) and State elections (State Legislative Assemblies, State Legislative Councils) in India .
- It also administers the elections for the offices of President and Vice-President.
- Elections to Panchayats and Municipalities is under the State Election Commission.
- The Election Commission draws authority from the Constitution as per Article 324 and the Representation of the People Act.
Structure of ECI:
- Initially, the commission had only one election commissioner.
- The enactment of the Election Commissioner Amendment Act in 1989 turned the commission into a multi-member body: a 3-member Commission.
- It is composed of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and any additional election commissioners appointed by the President as deemed necessary.
- Currently, the commission is constituted by the CEC alongside two Election Commissioners (ECs).
- At the state level, the election commission receives assistance from the Chief Electoral Officer.
