10.2. Campaigning Guidelines and Model Code of Conduct

On the eve of every general elections some guidelines are issued by the Election Commission whereby candidates are instructed to follow certain norms in carrying out their election campaign. Most of these relate to what is called the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The MCC is a set of norms for conduct and behavior on the part of the Parties and candidates, in particular. Model Code of Conduct for guidance of political parties and candidates is a small but unique document that contains the following 8 parts:

(i) Part I of Model Code lays stress on certain minimum standards of good behaviour and conduct of political parties, candidates and their workers and supporters during the election campaigns;

(ii) Parts II and III deal with the holding of public meetings and taking out processions by political parties and candidates;

(iii) Parts IV and V describe as to how political parties and candidates should conduct themselves on the polling day and at the polling booths;

(iv) Part VI exhorts political parties and candidates to bring their complaints to the notice of the observers appointed by the Election Commission for remedial action;

(v) Part VII deals with the parties in power. This part is, in essence, the flesh and blood of Model Code, which deals with several issues relating to Government and its Ministers, such as visits of Ministers, use of Government transport and Government accommodation, announcements of various schemes and projects etc.

The newly added Part VIII says that election manifestoes shall not contain anything repugnant to the ideals and principles enshrined in the Constitution and further that it shall be consistent with the letter and spirit of other provisions of Model Code.