The Election Commission of India on Sunday announced the schedule for the upcoming Assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory, triggering the immediate implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) across the poll-bound regions.
According to the schedule, voting will be held in West Bengal in two phases on April 23 and April 29. Meanwhile, polling in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and the Union Territory of Puducherry will take place in a single phase on April 9. The counting of votes for all five regions is scheduled for May 4.
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With the announcement of the election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct has come into force with immediate effect. The MCC is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission to regulate the conduct of political parties and candidates during elections and ensure that the process remains free, fair and peaceful.
Once the MCC is enforced, several restrictions come into place. Political parties and candidates are barred from appealing to voters on the basis of religion, caste or communal sentiments. Campaign criticism must focus only on policies, programmes and performance rather than personal lives of political rivals.
The guidelines also prohibit bribery, voter intimidation, impersonation and campaigning near polling stations. Demonstrations outside private homes and the use of private property without permission for political campaigns are also banned.
The code further prevents governments from using official machinery, public funds or positions for election campaigning. Authorities are not allowed to announce new projects, financial grants or make ad-hoc appointments that could influence voters during the election period.
Political parties must also obtain prior permission for rallies, public meetings and the use of loudspeakers, while processions must follow approved routes and timings to maintain public order. Additionally, liquor distribution, propaganda or crowding near polling booths is strictly prohibited on polling day.
The MCC will remain in force until the entire election process concludes.
