The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued directions for the strict implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) following the announcement of the Assembly elections 2026 schedule.
The ECI on Sunday announced the schedule for the Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
Following the announcement, the Commission directed the Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers of the respective States and Union Territories to enforce the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) with immediate effect. The MCC will also apply to the Central Government concerning announcements or policy decisions that impact the states/UTs concerned.
The Commission emphasised strict compliance with rules regarding the removal of defacement from public, private, and government property; the prohibition of misuse of official vehicles or government accommodations; and the ban on the issuance of advertisements funded by the public exchequer.
The ECI said the privacy of citizens must be respected, and demonstrations or picketing outside private residences are not permitted. It also directed that flags, banners, and posters should not be displayed on private property without the owner’s consent.
A robust monitoring mechanism has been put in place, including a complaint call centre (number 1950) and the C-Vigil app on ECINET, allowing the public and political parties to report violations. Over 5,173 flying squads and more than 5,200 static surveillance teams have been deployed across the states and UTs to ensure complaints are addressed within 100 minutes.
Also Read: Assam Assembly polls on April 9, results on May 4: Election Commission.
Meanwhile, political parties have been asked to inform local police authorities in advance about meetings and processions to facilitate traffic and security arrangements.
Ministers have also been directed not to combine official duties with electioneering or use government machinery, transport, or personnel for campaign purposes.
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.
Additionally, the SUVIDHA module has been activated on ECINET, allowing political parties to apply for usage of public places such as maidans and helipads, which would be allocated on first come first serve basis.
