Model Code of Conduct: Safeguarding Electoral Fairness in India
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC), issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI), establishes strict rules for new and existing government schemes once an election schedule is announced. Its primary goal is to ensure a level playing field by preventing the party in power from using state resources to influence voters.
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) indeed imposes restrictions on government schemes during elections to prevent ruling parties from gaining undue advantages. This aligns with its core aim of ensuring electoral fairness.
The MCC takes effect immediately upon the Election Commission of India (ECI) announcing the election schedule and remains in force until the process concludes, covering Lok Sabha, state assemblies, or by-elections.
Ruling parties cannot announce new schemes, projects, or financial grants, nor lay foundation stones, once the MCC is active, as this could misuse state resources for campaigning. Existing schemes must avoid fresh initiatives or ads highlighting government achievements that sway voters.
