The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the strict implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) following the announcement of assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
The ECI said that flying squads and surveillance teams have been deployed as MCC takes effect.
“The ECI has deployed over 5,173 flying squads and more than 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) across the poll-bound states to address complaints within 100 minutes,” the poll body said.
According to the Commission, election notifications issued by the ECI and the governments of Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry have already been published in their respective gazettes.
With this announcement, the Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect in the concerned states and UT. The MCC also applies to the Central Government regarding announcements or policy decisions related to these regions.
Directions to prevent misuse of govt resources
The ECI has instructed authorities to ensure strict compliance with rules related to election conduct.
These include –
– Removal of defacement from government, public and private property
– Preventing the misuse of official vehicles and government accommodation for election campaigns
– A ban on advertisements funded by public money during the election period
– Ministers have also been directed not to combine official duties with campaigning or use government machinery for electoral activities.
Complaint system and monitoring teams
To ensure effective enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, the ECI has set up a complaint monitoring system.
Citizens and political parties can report violations through –
– The 1950 call centre helpline
– The C-Vigil app available on the ECINET platform
Guidelines for political parties
The ECI has directed political parties to inform police authorities in advance about public meetings, rallies and processions to allow proper traffic and security arrangements.
They must also obtain permissions for loudspeakers and other facilities during campaigns.
Additionally, the Commission has activated the SUVIDHA module on ECINET, allowing political parties to apply for the use of public spaces such as grounds and helipads, which will be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Officials asked to maintain neutrality
ECI has instructed government officials to act impartially while enforcing the Model Code of Conduct. All must ensure equal treatment of all political parties, regulate campaign activities fairly and maintain law and order to preserve the credibility of the electoral process, it said.