Model Code of Conduct
Election Commission of India's Model Code of Conduct are the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India for conduct of political parties & candidates during elections mainly with respect to speeches, poling day, polling booths, election manifestoes, processions and general conduct.Th Model Code of Conduct comes into force immediately on announcement of the election schedule by the commission. The need for such code is to ensure free and fair elections. [1] Much of it is designed to avert communal clashes and corrupt practices. For example, politicians should not use hate speech, pitting on community against another or make promises about new projects that may sway a voter.
For 2014 general election the Code came in force on 5 March 2014 when the Commission announced the dates.The Code remains in force till the end of the electoral process.
"The Model Code of Conduct is crucial to make sure a level playing field among various contenders in the poll fray," said the Chief Election Commissioner V.S. Sampath at the press conference.[2]