The Election Commission of India (ECI) has enforced the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) following the announcement of the schedule for the General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
Notifications issued by the ECI and the respective governments of Assam, Kerala and Puducherry have been published in their official gazettes. With the announcement, the MCC has come into immediate effect in the concerned states and Union Territory. The code also applies to the Central Government in relation to policy announcements and decisions affecting these regions.
The Commission has directed the Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers of the concerned states and Union Territory to ensure strict enforcement of election guidelines.
Authorities have been instructed to remove defacement from government, public and private properties, prevent misuse of official vehicles or government accommodation for election-related activities, and prohibit advertisements funded by the public exchequer that promote political interests.
The ECI also stressed the need to protect citizens’ privacy, stating that demonstrations or picketing outside private residences will not be permitted. The use of private land, buildings or walls for campaign flags, banners or posters will require the owner’s consent.
To strengthen monitoring, the Commission has activated a complaint system through the voter helpline number 1950, allowing citizens and political parties to report violations to the concerned District Election Officer or Returning Officer.
Complaints can also be filed through the C-Vigil application on the ECINET platform. The Commission said more than 5,173 flying squads have been deployed across the poll-bound states and Union Territory to respond to complaints within 100 minutes. In addition, over 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams have been set up to monitor activities during the election period.
Political parties have been instructed to inform police authorities in advance about meetings and processions to enable traffic management and security arrangements. Permissions will also be required for the use of loudspeakers and other campaign facilities, in accordance with local regulations.
The Commission reiterated that ministers must not combine official duties with election campaigning or use government machinery, vehicles or personnel for campaign purposes.
Officials at all levels have been directed to act impartially while enforcing the MCC, ensuring equal treatment of all political parties and preventing misuse of official facilities. They have also been tasked with maintaining law and order and ensuring free and fair polling arrangements.
Meanwhile, the SUVIDHA module on the ECINET platform has been activated, allowing political parties to apply for public venues such as maidans and helipads. These facilities will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
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