The Model Code of Conduct for guidance of political parties and candidates is a set of norms evolved with the consensus of political parties who have consented to abide by the principles embodied in the said code and also binds them to respect and observe it in its letter and spirit.

The Election Commission ensures observance of the MCC by party(ies) in power and contesting candidates in the discharge of its constitutional duties under Article 324 of the Constitution of India. It also ensures that official machinery is not misused, and that electoral offences, malpractices, and corrupt practices such as impersonation, bribing, and intimidation of voters are prevented.

The Model Code of Conduct is enforced from the date of announcement of the election schedule by the Election Commission and is operational till the process of elections is completed.

The salient features lay down how political parties, contesting candidates, and party(s) in power should conduct themselves during the process of elections — covering general conduct during electioneering, holding meetings and processions, poll day activities, and functioning of the party in power.

No. Ministers shall not combine their official visit with electioneering work and shall not make use of official machinery or personnel during electioneering work.

No. No government transport including official aircraft, vehicles etc. shall be used for furthering the interest of any party or candidate.

There shall be a total ban on the transfer and posting of all officers/officials directly or indirectly connected with the conduct of elections. If any transfer is considered necessary, prior approval of the Commission must be obtained.

Ministers may use their official vehicles only for commuting from their official residence to their office for official work, provided that such commuting is not combined with any electioneering or political activity.

No. During the election period, no Minister or political functionary is allowed to use a pilot car or a car with beacon lights of any colour or siren, whether on a private or official visit. This prohibition applies even if security cover has been granted, and covers both government-owned and private vehicles.

Yes. Advertisements regarding party achievements at the cost of public exchequer in print, electronic, or other media are prohibited during the election period.

No. Ministers and other authorities shall not sanction grants or payments out of discretionary funds from the time elections are announced.

No. Ministers and authorities shall not announce any financial grants in any form or promises thereof; lay foundation stones of projects or schemes; or make any promise of construction of roads, drinking water facilities etc. A senior government officer may lay a foundation stone without involving any political functionary.

No party or candidate shall indulge in any activity that aggravates existing differences or creates mutual hatred between castes, communities, religious, or linguistic groups. Criticism of other parties shall be confined to their policies, programme, past record, and work. Criticism based on unverified allegations or distortion shall be avoided.

No. Religious places like Temples, Mosques, Churches, Gurudwaras, or other places of worship shall not be used as a forum for election propaganda. There shall be no appeal to caste or communal feelings for securing votes.

No. Use of educational institutions including their grounds — whether government-aided, private, or government — for political campaigns and rallies is not allowed.

Yes. A candidate shall not print or publish any election pamphlet or poster that does not bear on its face the names and addresses of the printer and publisher. Refer: Section 127A of the Representation of People Act, 1951

Yes. Prior written permission must be obtained from the concerned police authorities for holding any meeting at a public or private place, and for taking out processions.

Yes. Loudspeakers cannot be used at night between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

Public meetings cannot be held after 10 PM and before 6 AM. Candidates cannot hold public meetings and processions during the 48 hours before the hour fixed for the conclusion of poll. For example, if poll day is 15th July with polling from 8 AM to 5 PM, meetings must cease at 5 PM on 13th July. Refer: Section 126 of the Representation of People Act, 1951

No. Results of any opinion poll or exit poll shall not be published or disseminated during the 48-hour period ending with the hour fixed for closing of poll. In multi-phased elections, the restriction begins 48 hours before the first phase and continues until polling is concluded in all phases.

An election booth can only be set up beyond 200 metres from the polling station, with only 1 table, 2 chairs, and an umbrella or tarpaulin. Only one banner (3 × 4½ feet) showing the candidate’s name, party, or election symbol is allowed. Two booths may be set up if more than two polling stations are housed in a single building.

Yes. Canvassing for votes within a distance of 100 metres of the polling station is prohibited on the day of poll. Refer: Section 130 of the Representation of People Act, 1951

No. No person is allowed to carry or use mobile phones, cordless phones, or wireless sets within 100 metres of a polling station or inside the polling booth. Only the Observer, Micro Observer, Presiding Officer, and security personnel may carry a mobile phone, and must keep it in silent mode.

Yes. No person is allowed to carry arms as defined under the Arms Act, 1959 within the neighbourhood of a polling station on the day of poll. Refer: Section 134B of the Representation of People Act, 1951

No. Any arrangement, direct or indirect, to carry any voter to or from a polling station by any kind of vehicle is a criminal offence. Refer: Section 133 of the Representation of People Act, 1951

No. Leaders of political parties are not allowed to use private fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters for the purposes of supervising and monitoring the polling and counting process on the day of poll and counting.