Political Career for Indian Youth-FAQ3-Model Code of Conduct

Politcal Career for Indian Youth- Model Code of Conduct-FAQ3

Whether there is any restriction on air dropping of leaflets/pamphlets by the Political parties/candidates

Ans. No. Provided that all the expenses in this regard have been booked against the election expenses of the candidate, on whose behalf the leaflets/pamphlets are being dropped.

Is wearing of special accessories like cap, mask, scarf etc. of a candidate permitted during the campaigning?

Ans. Yes, provided they are accounted for in the election expenses of the candidate concerned. However supply and distribution of main apparels like saree, shirt, etc. by party/candidate is not permitted as it may amount to bribery of voters.

Whether dummy ballot units of EVM can be prepared by the candidate for the purpose of educating the voters?

Ans. Yes. The dummy ballot units may be made of wooden, plastic or ply board boxes, half the size of the official ballot units and may be painted brown, yellow or grey.

Whether there is restriction to display to the public any election matter by means of cinematograph, television or other similar apparatus?

Ans. Yes. Candidate can not display to the public any election matter by means of cinematograph, television or other similar apparatus during the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the conclusion of poll.(Refer: Sec. 126 of Representation of People Act, 1951)

Whether a candidate can print and distribute the diary/calendar/sticker depicting his image or image of Gods/ deities etc.

Ans. No. will amount to bribery under section 171E of Indian Penal Code.

Whether distribution of printed “Stepney Covers” or other similar material containing symbol of party/candidate or without depicting it, is a violation?

Ans. Yes. Incase, it is established that such material have been distributed, a complaint may be filed before the area Magistrate by District Administration against the distribution of the said material under section 171 B of the IPC.

Are there conditions/guidelines for setting up and operating of Temporary Offices by Party or candidate?

Ans. Yes. Such offices can not be opened by way of any encroachment either on public or private property/ in any religious places or campus of such religious places/ contiguous to any educational institution / hospital / within 200 meters of an existing polling station. Further, such offices can display only one party flag and banner with party symbol/photographs and the size of the banner used in such offices should not exceed ‘4 feet X 8 feet’ subject to the further condition that if the local laws prescribe a lower size for banner / hoarding etc., then the lower size prescribed by local law shall prevail.

Is there any restriction on the presence of political functionaries in a constituency after campaign period is over?

Ans. Yes. After the closure of campaign period (starting from 48 Hrs. before closure of poll), political functionaries etc. who have come from outside the constituency and who are not voters of the constituency should not continue to remain present in the constituency. Such functionaries should leave the constituency immediately after campaign period is over. This will not apply in the case of candidate or his election agent even if they are not voters in the constituency.

Is such restriction applicable in the case of office bearer of a political party who is in-charge of election in the State?

Ans. Yes. 

However, such restriction is not insisted upon during the general elections to Lok Sabha/State Assembly only in respect of the office bearer who is in-charge of the State during the election period. Such office bearer shall declare his place of stay in the State Headquarters and his movement during the period in question shall remain confined normally between his party office and place of his stay. The above restrictions will be applicable to all other functionaries in all elections.

Whether there is any restriction for holding public meeting or taking out processions?

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