EC amends Model Code of Conduct, says 'No poll manifesto at last minute'
As political parties gear up for the Lok Sabha polls, the Election Commission has amended the rules of the Model Code of Conduct, and has asked every party not to release poll manifesto 48 hours leading up to the voting day.
The changes brought in by the election watchdog is in accordance with the Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act- 1951, which clearly states for an “election silence” during the 48-hour period, prior to voting day.
As per the news agency ANI, “Election Commission of India has fixed a timeline for the release of manifesto by political parties. Manifestos for both single and multi phase elections shall not be released during prohibitory period, as prescribed under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.”
Election Commission of India: The provision will, henceforth, be applicable and implemented as a part of the Model Code of Conduct for all future elections. #LokSabhaElections2019 https://t.co/hcaZcWOIqt
— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2019
The Election Commission of India further said, “The provision will, henceforth, be applicable and implemented as a part of the Model Code of Conduct for all future elections.”
The Election Commission had earlier announced that the Lok Sabha polls will begin from April 11 and will be held in seven phases until May 19. The results will be declared on May 23.
Asking for restrain in public interaction during the “election silence” period, the poll body has also directed the political leaders not to give any interviews on election matters, hold press conference etc.
To get rid of the controversy which arises at the last minute, the Commission has changed the Section 126, which would be beneficial for the voters and to strengthen democracy.
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First published: 17 March 2019, 7:24 IST