Lok Sabha elections announced: what is Model Code of Conduct

The Model Code of Conduct is now in place in India after the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections by the Election Commission.

The Model Code is a set of guidelines given by the poll panel to central govt, state govts and political parties on how to conduct themselves and their election campaign. It comes into force immediately after an election is announced and is in force till the results are announced.

The central government, state governments and ministers are subject to certain special set of guidelines under the Model Code of Conduct apart from the rules that are applicable to all parties and candidates.

They are prohibited from announcing any financial grants or welfare schemes once the elections are announced.

Ministers cannot inaugurate or lay founding stones for any project. They also cannot make promises of building roads or any other infrastructure.

They are barred from using any official or govt machinery for election campaigning. Govt transport cannot be used for campaigning visits.

Central government and state governments can’t use public money to advertise for their party.

Under the general guidelines, political parties and candidates cannot indulge in any activity which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic.

Criticism of other parties or candidates should be based on work and not personal life.

Candidates or parties cannot appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes. Places of worship should not be used as forum for election propaganda.

Parties are barred from bribing voters through money or material. Intimidating voters or impersonating them is prohibited.

Campaigning ends 48 hours before the close of voting for a constituency.