New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) stated on Monday that it has issued directives for the strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for assembly elections in five states and one Union Territory (UT), as well as for by-elections in six states, in order to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced on Sunday that the upcoming assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry will be held in a single phase, while those in West Bengal will be conducted in two phases.
He also announced the schedule for assembly by-elections for eight seats across six states—including two seats each in Karnataka and Maharashtra. These by-elections became necessary due to the demise of the incumbent members. The Election Commission stated, “As per the schedule, the notifications issued today by the ECI and the states/UTs of Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry have been published in their respective Gazettes.”
The Election Commission further stated that, following the announcement of the elections, it has issued instructions to the Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers of the respective states/UTs regarding the immediate enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct within their jurisdictions.
It noted that the Model Code of Conduct would also apply to the Central Government with regard to announcements or policy decisions concerning the respective states/UTs. The Election Commission directed that instructions regarding the removal of defacement from government, public, and private properties; the prohibition of the misuse of government vehicles or official residences by any political party, candidate, or election-related functionary; and the ban on issuing advertisements at the expense of the public exchequer be strictly adhered to.
The order issued by the Election Commission stipulates that the privacy of citizens must be respected, and no demonstrations or picketing should take place outside private residences. Furthermore, land, buildings, or walls shall not be utilized for displaying flags, banners, or posters without the consent of the owner. He stated that a complaint monitoring system has been established—which includes the call center number 1950—through which any common citizen or political party can register a complaint with the concerned DEO/RO.
The Election Commission stated that citizens and political parties can also report violations of the Model Code of Conduct by utilizing the C-Vigil App on ECINET. More than 5,173 Flying Squads have been deployed across the states and Union Territories to ensure that action is taken on complaints within 100 minutes. Additionally, over 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) have also been deployed.
It was further stated that political parties must inform police officials prior to holding meetings and processions to facilitate traffic and security arrangements, ensure compliance with prohibitory orders, and obtain necessary permissions for the use of loudspeakers or other facilities.
The Election Commission further directed that ministers shall not combine official duties with election campaigning, nor shall they utilize government machinery, transport, or personnel for campaign purposes. Officials at all levels have been instructed to implement the Model Code of Conduct without any discrimination, ensure equal treatment for all political parties, and prevent the misuse of government facilities.
The statement noted, “They must properly regulate meetings, processions, and polling arrangements, uphold law and order, and maintain the credibility of the electoral process.”
He added that the ‘SUVIDHA’ module has been activated on ECINET, through which political parties can apply for the use of public venues—such as grounds and helipads—which will be allotted on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis.
