Voting this time? Know the Code of Conduct as well!

Assembly Elections in Gujarat are around the corner & dates for the same has been announced. As an active part of elections, one should know about a very significant concept involved in elections i.e. Model code of conduct. This code comes into effect immediately once the election schedule has been announced by Election Commission. The Model code of conduct refers to guidelines or rules which are issued by India’s Election Commission (EC).

There are in total 8 Key Provisions mentioned under the Model code of conduct. These are as below:-

1. General Conduct

• Religious or communal sentiments must not be hurt during any election-related activity.
• Criticism of the opposition party must be limited to previous policies or work only & no personal attack is permitted.
• The usage of worship places should not be done for election propaganda.
• Any area used for campaigning must not disturb any individual’s rights.

2. Meetings

• The party or candidate shall inform the local police authorities regarding the venue & time of any meeting on time so that law, order & peace can be well maintained.

3. Procession

• Local police or concerned authorities shall be informed on a prior basis regarding the route, venue & time of procession in order to ensure necessary arrangements.

4. Polling day

• A party or candidate must coordinate with authorities at polling camps for a neutral, peaceful & smooth election process.

5. Polling booth

• The use of money or muscle power must be avoided outside polling booths. Voters should be freely allowed to vote as per their choice without pressure.

6. Observers

• Observers are appointed Election Commission. If the candidates or party have any specific complaint or problem regarding the conduct of elections, they may bring the same to the notice of the Observer.

7. Ruling party

• The party which is in power whether at the centre or state shall ensure that no cause is given for any complaint that the usage of an official position has been done by the party for the purpose of the election campaign.

8. Election Manifesto

• Releasing the election manifesto is prohibited 48 hours after the election.

This was in a brief description of the Model code of conduct. Proper implementation & obeyance of same is still questionable.

Check whether a candidate is following this or not, after all, your vote will decide the future of this state!

–An article by Om Vishariya