Dimapur, March 17 (MExN): The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has been enforced with immediate effect following the announcement of Assembly elections in five states and a Union Territory, an update from the state IPR said on Tuesday.
The Election Commission of India (ECI), on March 15, announced the schedule for the Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The Commission also announced bye-elections for several constituencies across the country.
The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) also announced bye-elections to eight constituencies across Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Nagaland and Tripura.
Among the key bye-elections scheduled is the poll for the 28 Koridang Assembly Constituency (AC) in the Mokokchung district of Nagaland. The voting for this seat is set to take place on April 9, with the counting of votes slated for May 5.
The MCC will remain in force until the completion of elections, applying to all government departments at both Union and State/UT levels.
In a series of directives, the Commission has barred ruling parties from misusing official positions for election campaigning. Ministers have been prohibited from combining official visits with political work, and the use of government machinery, vehicles, aircraft, or personnel for campaign purposes has been banned.
The Commission has directed that all political parties be granted equal access to public spaces such as grounds and helipads, ensuring no monopoly by the ruling party. While government accommodations may be allotted to high-security political functionaries, such allotments are subject to strict conditions, with no political activities permitted on those premises.
The Commission has also strictly prohibited on the use of public funds for advertisements showcasing government achievements.
Furthermore, ministers and authorities are prohibited from sanctioning grants from discretionary funds, announcing financial sops, laying foundation stones, making development promises, or carrying out ad-hoc appointments that could influence voters after the poll schedule was announced.
To ensure a level playing field, a complete ban has been imposed on the transfers of all officials directly or indirectly involved in election duties. This includes Chief Electoral Officers and their Additional, Joint, Deputy Chief Electoral officers, Divisional Commissioners, District Election Officers, Returning and Assistant Returning Officers, other revenue officials, and police officers such as IGs, DIGs, SSPs, SPs and SDPOs like DSPs and other police officers, deployed for election work
“Any prior transfer orders not yet implemented require the approval of the Commission. This restriction will remain in force until the completion of elections,” the notification stated. Transfers on administrative grounds may be allowed only with prior clearance from the ECI, it added.
The Koridang seat fell vacant following the demise of Imkong L Imchen on November 11, 2024, and was formally declared vacant with effect from November 12.
Police personnel designated as election officials
In the run-up to the bye-election to the 28-Koridang (ST) Assembly Constituency, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Nagaland has designated all police personnel, from the Director General of Police to the ranks of constables, as election officials under Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
This order, issued in pursuance of standing instructions from the Election Commission of India (ECI) dated October 24, 1994, and January 10, 1998, brings the entire Nagaland Police force, including officers of the Home Guard and Village Guard, under the direct discipline and control of the ECI, stated a notification issued through the DIPR.
The designation will take effect from the date of the election notification and will remain in force until the completion of the bye-election process for the constituency, it stated.
According to the CEO’s notification, all officers and ranks, ranging from the Director General, Additional Director General, Inspectors General, and Deputy Inspectors General to the Commissioner of Police and Superintendents of Police, as well as all personnel below them, are deemed to be on deputation to it.
As officers of the Election Commission, they are subject to its control, superintendence, and discipline and as such are answerable to the Election Commission for any acts of commission or omission on their part while performing any election related duties.
cVIGIL and Suvidha apps
In a bid to further streamline the election process and ensure strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Nagaland, has urged citizens and political stakeholders to utilize the Election Commission of India's dedicated online applications, cVIGIL and Suvidha.
cVIGIL is an online application for citizens to report on Model Code of Conduct violations/Expenditure violations. To use the service, individuals must download the ECINET app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store then go to conduct of Election and select the cVIGIL app. For details, visit the official website of CEO, Nagaland, www.ceo.nagaland.gov.in
Simultaneously, the Suvidha is an online application for Candidates and Political Parties to apply Nominations and Permissions online. It can be accessed through ECINET using the URL https://ecinet.eci.gov.in or mobile Application.
For mobile access, users must download the ECINET app and select the Suvidha app from the 'Conduct of Election' section.
The CEO office further informed that detailed procedure for filing online nominations and permissions can be downloaded from the official website of the CEO, Nagaland, www.ceo.nagaland.gov.in
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