Model Code of Conduct: Courtship period ends

The Model Code of Conduct, a slew of dos and don'ts to regulate political canvassing before elections, came into effect from Sunday evening as the Election Commission announced the parliamentary poll dates. As such, parties busy wooing voters will now have to be more cautious on the hustings.

The MCC covers applies to all aspects of elections — political speeches and rallies, manifestos, polling booths, portfolios, general conduct to social media content.

One of its biggest provisions is it prohibits ruling parties at the Centre and states from announcing any new policy or project.

The MCC, brought into force for free and fair elections, also bars ministers from using official machinery or combining official visits with campaigning, or using public money for publicity or propaganda to improve the odds of winning.

This means ruling parties can't use government transport for campaigning.

The model code of conduct has to ensure that public places such as grounds and other facilities are provided to opposition parties on a par with the party in power.

The ruling government cannot make any impromptu appointments in the government or any public undertaking, as it can influence voters.

Leaders cannot use caste or communal references while criticising opponents at rallies or in speeches. They can only criticise their work.

Furthermore, political parties are not allowed to use places of religious importance or religion itself for election propaganda.

No public meeting can be held two days before voting starts. This 48-hour period is known as "election silence".

Finally, as in other times, any form of bribing, intimidating or impersonation of voters is barred under the MCC.