Model Code of Conduct’s Economic Impact and Duration

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The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) affects economic decisions during elections, with the recent 2024 elections marking the longest enforcement period in recent history.

Model Code of Conduct's Economic Impact and Duration

About the Impact of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC):

  • Definition and Purpose: The MCC is enforced from election announcement to results, restricting governments from making policy changes except routine decisions, ensuring fair elections and preventing misuse of state resources.
  • Direct Economic Disruption: The MCC freezes policy decisions, affecting economic agents’ choices, which can influence macroeconomic outcomes such as growth and investment.

Duration of MCC in Recent Elections:

  • 2024 Elections: The MCC was in effect for 82 days during the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections, the longest since
  • Comparison with Previous Elections: In 2019, the MCC lasted for 76 days; similar durations were observed in 2004 and 2009, but recent trends show an increase in the MCC period.

Trends and State Elections:

  • Increasing MCC Duration: The median MCC duration for national elections has risen, while state elections have seen a decline.
  • Non-synchronous Elections: States holding assembly elections separately inflate the MCC duration, with states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu experiencing longer MCC periods compared to those with simultaneous elections.

About the Model Code of Conduct (MCC):

  • Definition: Guidelines by the Election Commission of India regulating political parties and candidates before elections.
  • Content: Covers speeches, polling procedures, manifestos, processions, and candidate conduct.
  • Primary Objective: Ensure orderly, transparent, and peaceful election processes.
  • Constitutional Basis: Mandated by Article 324 to supervise and conduct free and fair elections.

Key Objectives

  • Integrity of Elections: Ensure elections are free, fair, and transparent.
  • Fair Campaign: Maintain a healthy competition and prevent clashes between parties.
  • Level Playing Field: Provide equal opportunities for all political parties.
  • Prevent Misuse of Power: Stop the ruling party from leveraging its position for electoral advantage.

Legal Provisions Aiding Implementation of MCC:

  • Non-Legal Enforceability: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is not legally binding but is supported by existing laws.
  • Representation of the People Act (RoPA) 1951:
  • Section 8: Addresses disqualification due to conviction for certain offences.
  • Part VII: Contains provisions regarding corrupt practices and electoral offences.
  • Additional References: Relevant provisions of the MCC are incorporated in:
    • Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860
    • Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) 1973.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/mind-the-gap-the-election-commissions-model-code-requires-urgent-reform-for-contemporary-challenges/