Model Code of Conduct: Difference between revisions

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CODE OF CONDUCT IN ELECTIONS--

{{Underlinked|date=April 2014}}

On the eve of the elections, the EC formulates and enforces a code of conduct for the parties which clearly defines the nature and scope of the corrupt practices during elections, electoral offenses and breaches of official duties. All the candidates the political parties, and the party in power to strictly follow this code of conduct.

'''Election Commission of India's Model Code of Conduct''' is a set of guidelines issued by the [[Election Commission of India]] for conduct of political parties and candidates during [[Election|elections]] mainly with respect to speeches, [[polling]] day, polling booths, election manifestos, processions and general conduct. These set of norms has been evolved with the consensus of political parties who have consented to abide by the principles embodied in the said code in its letter and spirit.The Model Code of Conduct comes into force immediately on announcement of the election schedule by the commission for the need of ensuring free and fair elections.<ref>http://eci.nic.in/eci_main/MCC-ENGLISH_28022014.pdf</ref>

Much of it is designed to avert communal clashes and corrupt practices. For example, politicians should not make hate speeches, putting one community against another or make promises about new projects that may sway a voter.

1) the code of conduct relating to the ruling party or parties in power both at the centre and in the states, prohibits the ministers from abusing their power or authority for promoting the election prospects of the party or individuals.

For the 2014 general election the code came into force on 5 March 2014 when the Commission announced the dates and remains in force till the end of the [[electoral process]].

2) under these restrictions, the ministers are not permitted to use their official cars for election work, not even indirectly by combining their official tours with electioneering. They are also barred from using their official staff for election work.

3) the relevant provisions of code of conduct are duly notified to the cabinet Secretary inNew Delhi so far as the central ministers and others are concerned, and to the state chief secretaries so far as the ministers of the states are concerned.

4) the instructions lay down that during election tours govt. Meetings and all expenses except those related to maintenance of law and order have to be borne privately.

5) the code declares that carrying of electors to the polling stations in any such vehicle is also an electoral offence and a corrupt practice.

"The Model Code of Conduct is crucial to make sure a level playing field among various contenders in the poll fray," said the Chief Election Commissioner [[V.S. Sampath]] at the press conference.<ref>http://www.ibtimes.co.in/articles/541909/20140305/lok-sabha-election-2014-model-code-conduct.htm</ref>

So these were only a sample of the model code of conduct encouraged by the election commission of India. But still many political parties do not obey these rules fully as can be seen in recent state assembly poll of Punjab where one of the candidates promotes his party's future plans do to many things for the people. If the EC Could be armed with some legitimate powers from the constitution then these could be enforceable fully in India.

==Main points==