Context:
Model Code of Conduct came into force with the announcement of General Elections
Model Code of Conduct:
- Model Code of Conduct – Set of norms that have prescribed how political parties, contesting candidates and parties in power should conduct themselves during elections.
- Issued by – Election Commission of India
- First introduced in – State Assembly Elections of Kerala in 1960.
- Date of enforcement – MCC is enforced from the date of announcement of election schedule
- Operational till – Election results are announced
- Applicability –
- Throughout the entire country during General elections to Lok Sabha.
- Entire state during elections to legislative assembly.
- Entire district or districts during bye-elections.
- Other Features –
- Model Code of Conduct is not legally enforceable.
- Certain provisions can be enforced through corresponding provisions in other statutes such as IPC, CrPC and Representation of People Act.
Source: The Indian Express
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
2. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and by-elections.
3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognized political parties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2017 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3 only
Answer: (d)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is not correct. At present, it is a three-member body. There are two members apart from the Chief Election Commissioner.
Statement 2 is not correct. Election Commission of India decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and by-elections.
