Model Code of Conduct

CODE OF CONDUCT IN ELECTIONS--

   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. 

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. 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.

    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

The main points of the code are:

1. Government bodies are not to participate in any recruitment process during the electoral process.
2. The contesting candidates and their campaigners must respect the home life of their rivals and should not disturb them by holding road shows or demonstrations in front of their houses. The code tells the candidates to keep it.
3. The election campaign rallies and road shows must not hinder the road traffic.
4. Candidates are asked to refrain from distributing liquor to voters. It is a widely known fact in India that during election campaigning, liquor may be distributed to the voters.
5. The election code in force hinders the government or ruling party leaders from launching new welfare programmes like construction of roads, provision of drinking water facilities etc. or any ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
6. The code instructs that public spaces like meeting grounds, helipads, government guest houses and bungalows should be equally shared among the contesting candidates. These public spaces should not be monopolised by a few candidates.
7. On polling day, all party candidates should cooperate with the poll-duty officials at the voting booths for an orderly voting process. Candidates should not display their election symbols near and around the poll booths on the polling day. No one should enter the booths without a valid pass from the Election Commission.
8. There will be poll observers to whom any complaints can be reported or submitted.
9. The ruling party should not use its seat of power for the campaign purposes.
10. The ruling party ministers should not make any ad-hoc appointment of officials, which may influence the voters in favour of the party in power.
11. Before using loud speakers during their poll campaigning, candidates and political parties must obtain permission or license from the local authorities. The candidates should inform the local police for conducting election rallies to enable the police authorities to make required security arrangements.

References