The Election Commission of India plays a pivotal role in ensuring fair elections, guided significantly by the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).

Q.15 Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct.

Model Answer:

Introduction

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering election processes in India at both the national and state levels. Established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, the ECI ensures free and fair elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President in India.

Body

The ECI plays a crucial role in implementing the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), a set of guidelines issued to regulate political parties and candidates prior to elections. The MCC aims to ensure a level playing field and maintain the sanctity of the electoral process. The ECI enforces the MCC from the date of announcement of the election schedule until the completion of the election process.

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Key features of the MCC include:

• Ban on Government Advertisements: Prohibits the use of public funds for advertising achievements of the ruling party.
• Restrictions on Announcements: Prevents the ruling party from announcing new schemes or projects that could influence voters.
• Regulation of Campaign Activities: Ensures that political campaigns do not disturb public peace and order.
• Prohibition of Misuse of Official Machinery: Prevents the use of government resources for electioneering.
• Guidelines for Political Parties and Candidates: Includes norms for speeches, processions, and general conduct to avoid hate speech and personal attacks.

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The application of the MCC has occasionally led to controversies. For instance, during the 2019 General Elections, the ECI faced criticism for its handling of complaints against high-profile leaders, raising questions about its impartiality. Another example is the 2014 General Elections, where the ECI's decision to ban certain campaign materials was contested by political parties.

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Despite its significant role, the ECI faces several challenges:

• Political Pressure: The ECI often encounters pressure from ruling parties, which can affect its autonomy.
• Resource Constraints: Limited resources and manpower can hinder the ECI's ability to monitor and enforce the MCC effectively.
• Technological Challenges: The rise of social media and digital campaigning presents new challenges in monitoring and regulating election conduct.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Election Commission of India plays a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process through the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct. However, it faces challenges such as political pressure, resource constraints, and technological advancements that require resolution to strengthen its role in conducting free and fair elections.

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