ECI Issues Directions For Strict Implementation Of MCC Ahead of Bihar Polls

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has issued directions to the Chief Secretary and Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar regarding immediate coming into force of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in the state. The ECI has said that the MCC shall also be applicable to the Central Government with regard to announcements and policy decisions for Bihar.

The MCC came into force immediately after the ECI announced the schedule for the Assembly elections in Bihar on Monday. The polls will be held on November 6 and 11, and the counting of votes will be taken up on November 14. The MCC is also in place in the eight assembly seats going for bypolls on November 11 in different states.

The Commission has directed the state that there will be a ban on the transfer of all officers connected with the conduct of elections. In its direction to the top state officials, the Commission has asked to ensure strict compliance with the instructions related to removal of defacement from government, public and private property; misuse of official vehicles or government accommodation by any political party, candidate or any other person connected with election; and ban on issuance of advertisement at the cost of public exchequer. It added that the ministers of both state and Centre shall not combine official duties with electioneering or use government machinery, transport, or personnel for campaign purposes.

“The privacy of citizens must be respected, with no demonstrations or picketing outside private residences. Land, buildings, or walls shall not be used for flags, banners, or posters without the owner’s consent,” the ECI instructions say.

Citizens and political parties can also report MCC violations using the C-Vigil App. The ECI said 824 flying squads have been deployed across the state to ensure that the complaints are attended to within 100 minutes. A complaint monitoring system has been set up, including a Call Centre number 1950, in which complaints can be lodged by any member of the public or political party, with the DEO/RO concerned. This system is now operational 24/7, ECI said. 

Political parties are required to inform police authorities in advance of meetings and processions to enable traffic and security arrangements, to comply with prohibitory orders and to obtain necessary permissions for loudspeakers or other facilities.

“Officials at all levels have been directed to act impartially in enforcing MCC, ensuring equal treatment of all parties and preventing misuse of official facilities. They must regulate meetings, processions and polling arrangements fairly, safeguard law and order and maintain the credibility of the electoral process. It has been further directed that public places such as maidans and helipads must be equally available to all parties on the same terms,” the ECI said.