FAQs on Model Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates
Q. What is the Model Code of Conduct?
Ans. 1. The Model Code of Conduct for guidance of political parties and candidates is a set of norms which has been evolved with the consensus of political parties who have consented to abide by the principles embodied in the said code and also binds them to respect and observe it in its letter and spirit.
Q. What is the role of Election Commission in the matter?
Ans. 2. The Election Commission ensures its observance by political party(ies) in power, including ruling parties at the Centre and in the States and contesting candidates in the discharge of its constitutional duties for conducting the free, fair and peaceful elections to the Parliament and the State Legislatures under Article 324 of the Constitution of India. It is also ensured that official machinery for the electoral purposes is not misused.
Further, it is also ensured that electoral offences, malpractices and corrupt practices such as impersonation, bribing and
inducement of voters, threat and intimidation to the voters are prevented by all means.
In case of violation, appropriate measures are taken.
Q. From which date the Model Code of Conduct is enforced and operational upto which date?
Ans. 3. The Model Code of Conduct is enforced from the date of announcement of election schedule by the Election Commission
and is operational till the process of elections are completed.
Q. What is applicability of code during general elections and bye-elections?
Ans. 4.
a. During general elections to House of People (Lok Sabha), the code is applicable throughout the country.
b. During general elections to the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha), the code is applicable in the entire State.
c. During bye-elections, the code is applicable in the entire district or districts in which the constituency falls.
Click here to download the full document on the Model Code of Conduct as envisaged by the Election Commission of India.
