Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 16: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday directed authorities to enforce the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) strictly after the announcement of Assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory.
On Sunday, the poll panel released the election schedule for the legislative assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
Following the announcement, the Commission confirmed that official notifications issued on Monday by the ECI and the governments of Assam, Kerala and Puducherry have been published in their respective gazettes.
The Commission has instructed Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers of the concerned states and Union Territory to ensure the immediate enforcement of the MCC. The code will also be applicable to the Central government regarding any policy decisions or announcements related to these regions during the election period.
In a statement, the ECI emphasized strict adherence to guidelines aimed at preventing violations during the campaign period. Authorities have been directed to remove political defacement from government, public and private properties and prevent the misuse of government vehicles, official accommodation, or other public resources by political parties or candidates. The Commission has also prohibited the publication of advertisements using public funds during this period.
The poll body further stressed that citizens’ privacy must be protected, stating that demonstrations or picketing outside private homes are not permitted. It also clarified that political flags, posters or banners cannot be placed on private property without the owner's approval.
To address violations efficiently, the Election Commission has established a complaint monitoring system. Citizens and political parties can report MCC violations by calling the dedicated helpline number 1950, which connects them with the District Election Officer or the Returning Officer concerned.
Complaints can also be submitted through the C-Vigil mobile application available on the ECINET platform, allowing users to report incidents quickly.
For rapid response to complaints, the Commission has deployed more than 5,173 flying squads across the poll-bound states and the Union Territory, aiming to take action within 100 minutes of receiving a complaint. Additionally, over 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams have been stationed to monitor election-related activities.
The Commission also reminded political parties to follow proper procedures while conducting campaign activities. Parties must inform local police in advance about rallies, public meetings, and processions so that traffic management and security arrangements can be made. They must also comply with any prohibitory orders and obtain required permissions for the use of loudspeakers.
The ECI reiterated that ministers are not allowed to mix official responsibilities with campaign activities or use government machinery, transport or staff for electioneering.
Officials at all administrative levels have been instructed to act impartially and ensure equal treatment for all political parties while enforcing the code of conduct.
Authorities have also been directed to prevent the misuse of official infrastructure and maintain law and order to ensure that campaign events and polling arrangements are conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
The Commission added that the SUVIDHA module on the ECINET platform has been activated. Through this system, political parties can apply for the use of public venues such as maidans and helipads, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.