The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Saturday announced the dates for the Legislative Assembly elections for the states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur, amid a surge of covid cases in India.

The ECI  also announced that the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into effect. It is necessary for all political parties to heed the MCC.

The MCC is a set of guidelines, issued by the Election Commission, for political parties, candidates, government and the party in power during elections concerning speeches, announcements, election manifestos and general conduct.

The MCC is valid from the date of announcement of an election, either to the Parliament, State Assembly or Districts, and continues through the election in question. In the case of Assembly elections, the MCC is valid throughout the poll-bound state.

Governments of the poll-bound states have been directed to ensure that there is no misuse of official machinery and position when the poll code is in force.

The panel said  elaborate arrangements are in place to ensure the effective implementation of the poll code.

"Any violation of the guidelines will be strictly dealt with and the commission re-emphasises that the instructions issued in this regard from time to time should be read and understood by all political parties, candidates and their agents or representatives to avoid any misgivings or lack of information or inadequate understanding," the panel said.

The commission has also issued instructions for swift, effective and stringent action for enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct during the first 72 hours of the announcement of the election schedule and also for maintaining extra vigilance and strict enforcement action in the 72 hours before the close of polls.

When asked what action will betaken by the EC against parties and candidates violating Covid guidelines while holding rallies, Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra said such rallies would be cancelled and the parties will not be allowed to hold rallies at the same venue.

Announcing the month-long election schedule with a strong focus on digital and virtual modes of campaigning because of the Omicron scare, Chandra said the ban on rallies, roadshows, nukkad sabhas, padayatras and vehicle rallies will be reviewed on January 15.

Chandra also announced that ECI will use the cVIGIL (Vigilant Citizen app) as a tool to ensure free and fair elections.  He said that the Election Commission will take appropriate action within 100 minutes of registering the complaint on the app. Through the ‘cVIGIL’ app any Indian Citizen can promptly report any unlawful campaign activities within minutes of having witnessed them and without having to rush to the office of the Returning Officer. It is available as a free app for all Android users in India.
with inputs from DH, TOI