Model Code of Conduct(MCC)

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• With the announcement of the seven-phase polling for assembly elections for five states on, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into force with immediate effect.

Model Code of Conduct(MCC)

• The MCC is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission to regulate political parties and candidates prior to elections, to ensure free and fair elections.
  • This is in keeping with Article 324 of the Constitution, which gives the Election Commission the power to supervise elections to the Parliament and state legislatures. 
• The MCC is operational from the date that the election schedule is announced till the date that results are announced. 
• The form of the MCC was first introduced in the state assembly elections in Kerala in 1960.
• The MCC is not enforceable by law. 
  • However, certain provisions of the MCC may be enforced through invoking corresponding provisions in other statutes such as the Indian Penal Code, 1860, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, and Representation of the People Act, 1951. 
• Evolution: The Election Commission issued the code for the first time in 1971 (5th Election) and revised it from time to time. 
  • This set of norms has been evolved with the consensus of political parties who have consented to abide by the principles embodied in the said code and also binds them to respect and observe it in its letter and spirit.

Source: TH