Model Code of Conduct
Restrictions on Party Management During Elections
The Model Code of Conduct, operative from the date of election notification until the date of results, significantly constrains the tools parties can use to manage internal dissent and rebel candidates. Offers of government jobs, contracts, or policy benefits that could incentivise a rebel to withdraw would constitute MCC violations.
- MCC prohibits: Use of government machinery or funds for campaign purposes; announcement of new schemes by the incumbent government; bribery or inducement of voters and candidates.
- Section 171B of the Indian Penal Code (now Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023): Criminalises bribery of voters/candidates during elections — an MCC violation can translate into a criminal charge.
- ECI powers: Can issue notices, seek FIR registration, remove officials, and in extreme cases recommend disqualification of candidates for MCC violations.
- Parties navigating rebel candidates during MCC: Must rely purely on persuasion, political reasoning, and community pressure — not patronage — making the task significantly harder during election season.
- The absence of a statutory basis for MCC means its enforcement is ultimately political: ECI's credibility and willingness to act is the only deterrent.
● Tracked since March 16, 2026 · last seen March 26, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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