With the much-awaited announcement of the 2024 Lok Sabha election schedule by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has been enacted nationwide starting today.

The MCC is a set of guidelines that comes into effect immediately upon the announcement of the election schedule. It applies to all candidates, political parties, and governments of states/union territories. The MCC aims to ensure fair and transparent elections by regulating electioneering activities and preventing the misuse of official machinery for electoral gains.

Under the MCC, strict provisions are in place to govern campaign speeches, appeals, and conduct during elections.

Violations of the MCC, especially by political leaders, can have a significant impact on the electoral process.

ECI’s directions over Model Code of Conduct

The Commission has observed various trends that disrupt the political discourse, including the use of inflammatory language, personal attacks, and indirect violations through satire or unverified allegations.

To enforce the MCC effectively, the ECI has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the district-level election machinery. Special emphasis is placed on swift and stringent action during the initial and final 72 hours of the election period.

Citizens are also provided with the cVIGIL app, which enables them to report any violations of the MCC or expenditure regulations.

As per the commission’s notification, any surrogate or indirect violation of the MCC will also be met with stern action.

Tackling fake news during elections

In an additional advisory, the ECI has mentioned taking proactive measures to combat fake news and misinformation penetration in the media.

Implementing an SOP, the ECI has equipped CEOs (chief electoral officers) and DEOs (district electoral officers) nationwide with guidelines for swift identification and response to such content.

Furthermore, in collaboration with cyber cell units, social media cells have been established in each district to promptly tackle and take necessary action against fake news, operating within the legal framework defined by the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.

Rigorous monitoring of social media posts is also being carried out by Media Certification and Monitoring Committees (MCMCs), while media outlets are encouraged to actively participate in countering the spread of fake news.

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