Decoded: Model Code of Conduct

With the Election Commission of India on Friday announcing that Maharashtra would go to polls on October 15, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into force. For the next one month, the words MCC or 'poll codes' will keep popping up every now and then.

What are these poll codes? 
They are a set of dos and don'ts for politicians given by the poll panel – they remain in effect till the new assembly is constituted. Here are the guidelines that our netas must obey.

What can't be done when MCC is in force?

- Any activity that may influence the voter such as announcement of new projects or programme or concessions or financial grants in any form or promises , laying of foundation stones, etc.

- Transfer/promotions of all officers/officials connected with the conduct of the election are restricted. These include officers posted in departments like election commission, police force, revenue department etc. Even orders issued prior to MCC but not implemented cannot be brought into effect without commission's permission.

- Official vehicles cannot be used for electioneering work. Whether on a private or official visit, no pilot car or car(s) with beacon lights of any colour or car(s) affixed with sirens of any kind shall be used by any political functionary, even if the state administration has granted him a security cover requiring presence of armed guards to accompany him on such visit.

- No Minister, whether of union or state, can summon any election related officer of the constituency or the State, for any officia discussions during this period.

Any and all advertisements at the cost of the public exchequer regarding achievements of the party/Government in power as prohibited.

- Official work cant at all be mixed with campaigning/electioneering.
Caste/communal feelings of the electors must not be appealed to. No activity, which may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred, cause tension between different castes, communities or religious or linguistic groups shall be attempted.

- Temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras or any place of worship cannot be used as places for election propaganda, including speeches, posters, music etc., on electioneering.
Subject to the local laws, no one can make use of any individual's land, building, compound wall, vehicles etc. for erecting flag staffs, putting up banners, pasting notices or writing slogans etc. without specific permission of the owner.

- Loudspeakers cannot be used at public meetings and processions without the prior written permission of the authorities concerned. Also, loudspeakers whether static or mounted on moving vehicles shall not be used either before 6 a.m. or after 10a.m. and without the prior written permission of the authorities concerned Can be done:

- Citizens can continue to avail benefits under existing national, regional and state utility schemes, which have already been brought up to the stage of completion. The coming into force of the Model Code of Conduct cannot be given as an excuse for not commissioning such schemes.

- Relief and rehabilitation measures to the people in areas affected by floods, drought, pestilence, and other natural calamities, can commence and continue.

- Grant of cash or medical facilities to terminally or critically ill persons can continue with appropriate approvals.

- Public places like maidans/parks can be used for holding election meetings.