What is meant by the term "code of conduct"?How does it control the activities of parties and candidates.
Answers
Answer:
Explanation: it is a set of guidelines laid down by the Election Commission to govern the conduct of political parties and candidates in the run-up to an election. It is intended to provide a level playing field for all political parties, to keep the campaign fair and healthy, avoid clashes and conflicts between parties, and ensure peace and order. Its main aim is to ensure that the ruling party, either at the Centre or in the states, does not misuse its official position to gain an unfair advantage in an election.
The Model Code of Conduct comes into force the moment an election is announced and remains in force till the results are declared.
In 2000, there was a tug of war between the central government and the Election Commission on the Model Code of Conduct.
The government went to the Supreme Court against the Commission's ruling that the code of conduct comes into force the moment elections are announced. The government insisted it should be enforced only from the date of formal notification of each phase of election.
The Election Commission called an all-party meeting to settle the row. Eventually all parties, including the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, agreed unanimously to support its stand on the Model Code of Conduct.
It applies to all political parties, their candidates and polling agents, the government in power, and all government employees.
Ministers and other authorities cannot sanction grants and payments out of discretionary funds from the moment the elections are announced.
Advertisements at the cost of the public exchequer and misuse of official mass media like Doordarshan for partisan coverage during an election have to be scrupulously avoided.
Ministers and other government authorities should not announce or promise any financial grants to the people; they should not lay foundation stones for or inaugurate any projects; they should not promise public facilities like roads; and they should not make any ad hoc government appointments.
Parties can issue its manifesto detailing the programmes they wish to implement if elected to government, the strengths of their leaders, and the failures of parties and leaders opposing them. They can use slogans to popularise and identify parties and issues, and they can distribute pamphlets and posters to the electorate. They can hold rallies and meetings where candidates can persuade, cajole and enthuse supporters, and criticise opponents. Candidates can travel the length and breadth of the constituency to try to influence as many potential supporters as possible.
Yes, but the party or candidate has to inform the local police authorities of the venue and time of any proposed meeting well in advance to enable them to make necessary arrangements for controlling traffic and maintaining order.
The Model Code of Conduct strictly prohibits parties and candidates from making any appeals to caste or communal feelings for securing votes. Mosques, churches, temples, and other places of worship also cannot be used for election propaganda. No party or candidate can indulge in any activity that may aggravate existing differences or create mutual hatred or cause tension among different castes, communities, religious or linguistic groups.
The Election Commission has warned that any breach will be dealt with sternly. The Commission has the power to disqualify a candidate if s/he refuses to follow the Model Code of Conduct.