Model code of conduct kicks in with announcement of poll schedule in Telangana

Hyderabad: With the Election Commission of India (ECI) announcing the 2023 election schedule for five states – Telangana, MP, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh – on October 9, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) becomes enforceable with immediate effect.

The MCC for elections is an essential tool for the conduct of free and fair elections in our country whereby political parties and candidates are asked to behave in a responsible manner so that peace and harmony among various castes, communities, religions etc. is maintained.

The MCC remains enforceable from the date of announcement of the election till the completion of the election process after the announcement of election results. The Assembly elections for five states are scheduled to be held between November 7 and November 30 with Telangana going to polls on the last day of November.

Rules under Model Code of Conduct

As per the MCC, all parties and candidates should avoid corrupt practices and offences under the election law, such as bribing, intimidation and impersonation of voters, canvassing within 100 metres of polling stations, holding public meetings during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the close of the poll, and the transport and conveyance of voters to and from the polling stations.

The party or candidate shall inform the local police authorities of the venue and time of any proposed meetings and processions well in time so as to enable the police to make necessary arrangements for controlling traffic and maintaining peace and order.

Announcements and sanctions of new government welfare schemes, projects, programmes, foundation stone laying ceremonies, etc are also withheld till the election process is over.

Poll dates’ announcement officially starts poll machinery

Once the ECI issues a notification for the elections, the actual process of the election starts. The date of announcement of the election schedule cannot be more than three weeks before the date of notification, which has been settled by the Supreme Court while disposing of a special leave petition (SLP) by the Union of India against the judgment of Punjab and Haryana High Court in the case of Harbans Singh Jalal Vs Union of India and others pronounced by the latter on May 27, 1997.

The apex court, while disposing of the SLP, took note of the agreement reached by the government of India and the ECI to the effect that MCC will be enforced from the date of announcement of the election and the announcement of the election will not ordinarily be more than three weeks before the date of notification.