Unfair Election Practices by Candidates

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There are many practices during an election campaign that candidates are not supposed to do, which count as unfair election practices by the candidates, such as(( Section 123, Representation of Peoples Act, 1951.)):

Using official vehicles without permission.
Booth capturing.
Using the help of gazetted officers, stipendiary judges and magistrates, members of the armed forces, members of police forces, excise officers, revenue officers (other than village revenue officers like Patels, Deshmukhs), etc. for election campaigning.
Advertising using Government money and public funds.
Using religion during campaigning.
Using armed forces during campaigning.
Unfair use of public grounds and spaces for campaigning
Unfair use of print media, television, radio, social media etc.

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Print Media and MCC

All print media including newspapers have to follow the rules under the MCC.

Use of Religion as a Basis for Campaigning

A party or candidate cannot campaign in any manner which would result in creating tension or hatred between different castes and religious communities.

Ban on Use of Official Vehicles during Campaigning

The use of any official vehicles for campaigning or election-related travel from the date of announcement of elections till the completion of elections is not allowed.

Use of Defence Forces for Campaigning

Political parties or candidates cannot use defence forces for campaigning purposes. They cannot use the photographs of any defence forces or army staff during their campaign.

What is the Model Code of Conduct (MCC)?

The MCC are rules and regulations for the actions of the political parties, candidates, people supporting them, civil servants during election time and anybody else who is associated with elections.

When Does MCC Apply?

For the Lok Sabha elections, MCC is in force from when the election schedule is announced up to the announcement of the results.