Model code of conduct implemented in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, know what are its rules – Top News Bulletin

The Election Commission of India has announced the dates of assembly elections to be held in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. Voting will be conducted in one phase in Maharashtra and in two phases in Jharkhand. Voting will be held in Maharashtra on 20th November. Whereas in Jharkhand, voting will be held on 13 and 20 November. The election results in both the states will be declared on November 23. In such a situation, with the announcement of elections, the Model Code of Conduct has been implemented in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. In such a situation, let us tell you what is the code of conduct and what are its rules?

What is the model code of conduct?

Whenever an election is organized by the Election Commission of India in any state or region of the country, the Model Code of Conduct is implemented in that state or region with the announcement of the election date. Its objective is to conduct fair and free elections in the country. Under this, some rules are also decided, which all political parties have to follow during the entire election. Let us tell you that the code of conduct remains in force until the entire election process is over.

What happens if the code of conduct is violated?

If the Model Code of Conduct is violated by any political party or any candidate, the Election Commission takes action against it. For example, a candidate can also be prevented from contesting elections. Apart from this, if necessary, a criminal case can also be filed against him and he may have to go to jail for violating the rules.

Rules related to political gatherings of code of conduct?

• Before holding a meeting at any place, information about the meeting and its time should be given to the police officers.
• If loudspeakers are to be used in the meeting, then prior permission will have to be taken from the police officers.
• Parties or candidates should ensure in advance that prohibition is not in force at the place they have chosen.
• The organizers of the meeting should assist the police in dealing with the disruptors.

Rules for ruling party in code of conduct?

• Government ministers should not do election campaign work during official tours.
• Not using government machinery and employees during official visits.
• Not using government aircraft or vehicles to promote the interests of a political party.
• Do not monopolize the helipad.
• Not monopolizing rest houses, post bungalows or government residences.
• Not to use these places for publicity and to serve the interests of the political party.
• Not highlighting the achievements of the government through advertisements on government money.
• When the Minister is staying in the Circuit House on an official tour, then guards will be deployed with him.
• The government will not hold a cabinet meeting.
• Prior approval of the Commission is necessary in cases of transfer and posting.

What are the rules for officers in the code of conduct?

• Government employees will not become election, voter or counting agents of any candidate or party.
• If the minister stays in a private residence during the tour, he will not go there even when called by officials.
• Government employees going on election work will not accompany ministers.
• Employees will not participate in meetings or other political events except those for which duty has been imposed.
• Government officials shall not discriminate while providing space for political parties to hold meetings.

What are the general rules of Model Code of Conduct?

• During the code of conduct, no political party should do anything that creates differences or hatred between castes and religious or linguistic communities.
• Criticism of political parties should be limited to program policies, criticisms should not be personal.
• Religious places should not be used as platforms for election campaign.
• Corrupt practices such as giving bribes, harassing or threatening voters or giving inducements of any kind to get votes are prohibited.
• Do not use the wall, yard or land of the person who owns the property without his consent.
• Do not obstruct the meeting or procession of any party.
• Political parties should not make any appeal which hurts anyone's religious or political sentiments.

What are the rules related to procession in the code of conduct?

• The time, starting place, route and ending time of the procession have to be informed to the police officers in advance.
• The procession should be carried out only keeping in mind that traffic is not affected.
• Regarding processions and political meetings, police officers should be informed first and permission should be taken.
• The procession should be taken out from the right side of the road.
• Do not use any such things in political processions, which can be misused in moments of excitement.

Rules regarding polling day during code of conduct?

• Give badges or identity cards to authorized workers.
• The slip given to the voters should be on plain paper. It should not contain election symbol, candidate or party name.
• Liquor should not be distributed to anyone on the day of voting and 24 hours before it.
• Do not crowd the camps set up near the polling booth. Camps should be simple.
• Obtain a permit for driving a vehicle on voting day.