The elections are nearing and as the entire country was awaiting the election commission, it is here now. The Election Commission has announced the dates for the election in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram. It may also soon announce the date for Telangana, the state where the assembly was dissolved last month.
The model code of conduct once announced will be enforced with immediate effect. The caretaker government of these states cannot be announcing any of the new schemes until the new government is formed. The Election Commission also directed that the poll code will be enforced with immediate effect in the legislative assemblies which are election-bound.
Here are the election dates for the assembly election in the following states:
Madhya Pradesh – November 28, 2018
Rajasthan – December 7, 2018
Chhattisgarh – 12th November (First phase) 20th November (Second phase)
Mizoram – November 28, 2018
Telangana – December 7, 2018
The counting for these states will be happening on 11 December for Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan and Telangana state assembly elections.
Even the Model Code of Conduct will be operational from today. Here is what CEC OP Rawat said: “Model Code of conduct will come into force in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Mizoram with effect from today i.e. October 6, 2018.”
The poll code translates into a state of inactivity for the government – refrain them from doing anything which may increase and swell up existing differences or increase hatred/ cause tension between different castes and communities, religious or linguistic.
Here’s what the code of conduct states: “Criticism of other political parties, when made, shall be confined to their policies and programme, past record and work. Parties and Candidates shall refrain from criticism of all aspects of private life, not connected with the public activities of the leaders or workers of other parties. Criticism of other parties or their workers based on unverified allegations or distortion shall be avoided.”
If the party candidates or authorities are planning a meeting, they will have to inform the police so that they can make necessary arrangements. This will ensure that there are a decorum and peace in the area. The party will also have to be aware of any prohibitory order if already in force. If the party would require an exemption, then the concerned exemption should be applied for and obtained beforehand.
The political parties should also supply badges or identity cards to their authorized workers. The other thing which the party is advised to refrain from serving or distributing liquor on polling day and during the 48 hours preceding it. The party people will also be required to cooperate with the officers who have been assigned the task to ensure coordination during and before elections.
