Gujarat elections 2017: What is model code of conduct that saw Congress, BJP slug it out today?
As accusations and counter-accusations fly thick ahead of the Gujarat election results, here is a lowdown on what is model code of conduct and what are the guidelines issued by the Election Commission.
In the last lap of the Gujarat Assembly election, the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are now slugging it out over alleged violation of the model code of conduct.
The BJP went to the Election Commission and complained about Rahul Gandhi's interview to a Gujarati channel less than 48 hours before the second phase of voting in Gujarat.
The Congress, in a press conference today, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's roadshow in Ranip, Ahmedabad, after casting ballot was a violation of model code of conduct.
As accusations and counter-accusations fly thick ahead of the Gujarat election results, here is a lowdown on what is model code of conduct and what are the guidelines issued by the Election Commission.
Q.1 What is the Model Code of Conduct?
Answer: The Model Code of Conduct is a set of norms which has been evolved with the consensus of political parties. Political parties have agreed to abide by the principles embodied in the code which binds them to respect and observe it in its letter and spirit.
Q.2 What is Election Commission's role in this?
Answer: The Election Commission ensures model of conduct is observed by political party(ies) in power, including ruling parties at the Centre and in the states as well as candidates contesting the election.
The Election Commission's aim is to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections are conducted, and official machinery for electoral purpose is not misued.
The Commission also ensures that electoral offences, malpractices and corrupt practices such as impersonation, bribing and inducement of voters, threat and intimidation to the voters areprevented by all means. In case of violation, appropriate measures are taken.
Q.3 When is the Model Code of Conduct enforced and till when is it operational?
Answer: The Model Code of Conduct is enforced from the date of announcement of election schedule by the Election Commission and is operational till the process of elections are completed.
Q.4 Can a minister can combine his official visit with electioneering work?
Answer: No. According to the Model Code of Conduct, ministers should not combine their official visit with electioneering work and should not make use of official machinery or personnel during the electioneering work.
Q.5 Are ministers entitled to official vehicle during the election?
Answer: Ministers are entitled to use their official vehicles only for commuting from their official residence to their office for official work provided that such commuting is not combined with any electioneering or any political activity.
Q.6 Are there any restrictions on using religious places for election propaganda?
Answer: Yes. Religious places such as temples, mosque, church, gurdwara or other places of worship should not be used as forum for election propaganda. Further, there should be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes.
Q.7 Are there any conditions for getting government aircraft/helicopters (including Public Sector Undertakings) by political parties/candidates?
Answer: Yes, and while allowing chartering of government aircraft/helicopters to political parties/candidates, the following conditions should be followed:
# There should be no discrimination between the ruling party and other parties # The payment must be made by political parties or contesting candidates and proper record maintained.# The rates and terms and conditions should be uniform for all.# The actual allotment should be made on the first-come, first-served basis. To do this, the date and time of receipt of the application should be noted by the authorised receiving authority.# In the rare case when both the date and time of two or more applicants are same, the allotment will be decided by draw of lots.# No individual, firm, party or candidate will be allowed to charter the aircraft/helicopter for more than three days at a time.
Q.8 Can dummy ballot units of EVM be prepared by the candidate to educate the voters?
Answer: Yes, the Model Code of Conduct mandates that the dummy ballot units be made of wooden, plastic or plyboard boxes, half the size of the official ballot units and be painted brown, yellow or grey.
Q.9 Is there a curb on public display of any election matter through television or similar apparatus?
Answer: According to the Model Code of Conduct, a candidate cannot display to the public any election matter by means of television or other similar apparatus 48 hours before the election.
It is this clause which the BJP has raised while accusing Rahul Gandhi of violating the Model Code of Conduct.
Q.10 Is there any restriction on canvassing in or near polling station?
Answer: Yes, canvassing for votes within a distance of 100 metres of the polling station is prohibited on the day of poll.
(Source: Official website of Election Commission of India)
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