Model Code of Conduct: Rules During Election Season

What is the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)?

The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) that regulates the behaviour of political parties, candidates, and the government during election season. It ensures free and fair elections by preventing the misuse of power and maintaining a level playing field.

The MCC comes into effect from the date the election is announced (not the polling date) and remains in force until the results are declared.

When Does the MCC Apply?

• Starts: From the date the ECI announces the election schedule (press conference)
• Ends: On the date results are declared (or when the election process is complete)
• Duration: Typically 45-60 days for general elections; shorter for by-elections
• Scope: Applies across the entire country for Lok Sabha elections, or in specific states for State Assembly elections

Key MCC Rules

1. Rules for the Government (Ruling Party)

2. Rules for Political Parties and Candidates

• No appeal to caste or religion — Seeking votes on the basis of caste, religion, or community is prohibited
• No bribery — Offering money, liquor, or gifts to voters is a criminal offence
• No intimidation — Threatening voters or using muscle power is banned
• Respect opponents — Personal attacks, false statements, and defamation are prohibited
• Campaign permissions — Rallies and processions require prior police permission
• Campaign timing — Campaigning must stop 48 hours before polling (campaign silence period)
• Loudspeaker restrictions — Loudspeakers can only be used between 6 AM and 10 PM
• No victory processions — Banned to prevent post-election violence

3. Rules for Media

• No exit polls during polling period — Exit poll results cannot be broadcast until the last phase of polling ends
• No paid news — Candidates and parties cannot pay for favourable news coverage disguised as journalism
• Equal opportunity — State-owned media (Doordarshan, AIR) must provide equal time to all recognised parties
• Social media — Campaign silence period (48 hours before polling) applies to social media as well

4. Rules for Polling Day

• No campaigning within 100 meters of a polling booth
• No canvassing on polling day
• No distribution of pamphlets, posters, or materials near booths
• No carrying of arms near polling stations
• Party workers cannot loiter near polling booths

How to Report MCC Violations

1. cVIGIL App (Recommended)

The cVIGIL (Citizen Vigil) app is an official ECI mobile application for reporting MCC violations:

1. Download cVIGIL from Play Store or App Store
2. Open the app and register with your mobile number
3. To report a violation:
   • Tap Report
   • Take a photo or video of the violation
   • The app auto-captures your GPS location and timestamp
   • Add a brief description
   • Submit the complaint
4. Your complaint is routed to the nearest Flying Squad within the constituency
5. You receive a tracking ID to follow up
6. Action is typically taken within 100 minutes

2. Voter Helpline (1950)

• Call the national voter helpline: 1950
• Available during election period
• Report violations verbally to the operator

3. Online Complaint

• Visit https://eci.gov.in and use the complaint/grievance section
• Write to the District Election Officer or Returning Officer

4. Grievance Portal

• Use the National Grievance Services Portal or contact the local election office

Common MCC Violations

Is the MCC Legally Binding?

The MCC is not a law — it is a set of voluntary guidelines that parties agree to follow. However:

• The ECI enforces it using its constitutional powers under Article 324
• Violations can lead to FIRs, candidate disqualification, or ban on campaigning
• Some MCC provisions overlap with legal provisions in the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Indian Penal Code — making those violations criminal offences
• The Supreme Court has upheld the ECI's authority to enforce the MCC

MCC and Social Media

With the rise of digital campaigning, the ECI has extended MCC provisions to social media:

• Political ads on social media platforms must be pre-certified by the ECI's Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC)
• Paid promotions must carry disclaimers
• Campaign silence (48 hours before polling) applies to social media posts
• Platforms like Facebook, X (Twitter), Google, and YouTube cooperate with ECI to take down violating content
• IT cells of parties are also covered under MCC

Important Tips

1. Know MCC dates — MCC starts from election announcement, not polling day. Check our election date guide for schedules
2. Use cVIGIL to report — The app is the fastest way to report violations with evidence
3. Campaign silence matters — No political campaigning is allowed 48 hours before polling
4. Government ads will stop — Don't be surprised when government scheme ads disappear during elections
5. MCC applies to all — Ruling party, opposition, and independent candidates are equally bound

FAQs

Q1: What is the Model Code of Conduct?

The MCC is a set of guidelines by the Election Commission of India that governs the behaviour of political parties, candidates, and the government during elections to ensure free and fair polls.

Q2: When does the MCC come into effect?

The MCC comes into force from the moment the Election Commission announces the election schedule. It ends when results are declared.

Q3: Is the MCC a law?

No, the MCC is not a statutory law. It is a set of voluntary guidelines enforced by the ECI using its constitutional authority under Article 324. However, many MCC provisions overlap with existing laws.

Q4: How can I report an MCC violation?

Use the cVIGIL app to report violations with photo/video evidence. You can also call the voter helpline at 1950 or complain to the local election officer.

Q5: Can the government announce new schemes during MCC?

No. The ruling government (central or state) cannot announce new policies, schemes, projects, or make promises of public spending during the MCC period.

Q6: What is the campaign silence period?

Campaigning must stop 48 hours before polling begins. This applies to rallies, speeches, advertisements, social media posts, and all forms of canvassing.

Q7: What happens if someone violates the MCC?

Depending on the severity, the ECI can issue warnings, register FIRs, order removal of offensive content, ban candidates from campaigning for a period, or refer cases for criminal prosecution.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the Election Commission of India or any government body. Information is compiled from official ECI sources for citizen awareness. Always verify details on eci.gov.in.