What happens after Election Commission announces poll dates?
SRINAGAR, (PTK): Election Commission will announce dates for 2019 Lok Sabha polls today at 5 pm. Dates are also likely to be announced for assembly polls in four states Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Odisha.
With the announcement of dates, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) will immediately take effect.
What is the Model Code of Conduct?
Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines issued to regulate political parties and candidates prior to elections. The rules range from issues related to respect to speeches, polling day, polling booths, portfolios, content of election manifestos, processions and general conduct, so that free and fair elections are conducted.
When does Model Code of Conduct come into effect?
According to the Press Information Bureau, a version of the MCC was first introduced in the state assembly elections in Kerala in 1960. It was largely followed by all parties in the 1962 elections and continued to be followed in subsequent general elections. In October 1979, the EC added a section to regulate the ‘party in power’ and prevent it from gaining an unfair advantage at the time of elections.
