Elections: Model Code of Conduct

Why in News?

• Election Commission of India announced Election Schedule for 4 States (West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala) and 1 Union Territory (Puducherry).

What?

• It is a Code of Ethics to be followed by all Political Parties.
• Comes into force when Election Commission announces Election Schedule.

Historical Background

• First enforced: Kerala State Assembly Elections (1960)
• To bring Discipline in Elections.
• PAN (All - India) Level: 1962 General Elections

Source of Power

• Nor mentioned in Constitution neither in Statutory Laws. (No Penal Provisions)
• If breached, may be punished under various provisions of IPC.

Provisions

• No new plans/ schemes be announced by Ruling Party.
• Political Leaders shall not make hate speeches.
• Political Leaders should not demand votes on basis of caste, religion and social identities.
• No Campaigning Zone (Silent Zone): 48 hours before Conclusion of Elections: No political campaigning is allowed.
• No Political Booth (Place from where Political Parties channelise their Voters) should exist within 100m² of Electoral Booth (Places where People cast their vote).
• Manifestos: List of Political Commitments by Political Parties.
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        1. No Political Party should make unreasonable/ unrealistic Manifestos (Promises). (2013)
        2. Manifesto should release their Manifesto within 7 days of notification.
• Star Campaigners: Any Person who has Potential to influence Masses. Eg: Sportspersons, Filmstars, Politicians.
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        1. (Under Section 29A of Representation of People's Act)

Registered Political Parties: Max Star Campaigners: 40Non - Registered Political Parties: Max Star Campaigners: 20

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         2. If the star campaigners campaign individually, Electoral expenses Incurred By Political Parties on Star campaigners shall not be Audited by Election Commission.

If Star Campaigner campaigns with Candidate, electoral expenses will be audited by Election Commission of India.

• Electoral Expenses
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    1. MP Elections

Huge Constituencies: 70 LakhSmall Constituencies: 58 Lakh

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      2. MLA Elections

Huge Constituencies: 40 LakhSmall Constituencies: 28 LakhException: West Bengal Elections

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      • in 8 Phases
      • Poor Law and Order Situation
      • High Level Security forces of Centre during Polling by Election Commission

Election Commission

• Chief Election Commissioner (CEC): Sunil Arora