- By Chetna Shree
- Sun, 15 Mar 2026 06:41 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Assembly Election 2026: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday announced the schedule for assembly elections in four states and one Union Territory. Voting for the upcoming Assembly Elections will be held in a single phase in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry on April 9. Tamil Nadu will also go to the polls in a single phase on April 23. The West Bengal Assembly Election 2026, however, will be held in two phases on April 23 and 29. The counting of votes for all four states and the Union Territory is scheduled to be held on May 4, 2026.
With this announcement, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into immediate effect across all five regions to ensure that the electoral process is conducted in a free and fair manner, NDTV reported.
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What Is Model Code Of Conduct?
The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission to guide the conduct of political parties and candidates during elections. It ensures that the electoral process is conducted in a free and fair manner. The MCC comes into effect immediately after the election schedule is announced and remains in effect until the completion of the electoral process.
Key Rules Under The Model Code Of Conduct
- No appeals to religion, caste, or communal sentiments.
- Campaign must focus on policies, governance, programmes, and not on personal lives.
- Official mass media cannot be used for biased coverage to favour the ruling party.
- Illegal activities such as bribery, intimidation, impersonation, or campaigning near polling stations are strictly prohibited.
- Demonstrations outside private homes or using someone else's property for campaigning are banned.
- Parties are required to inform authorities about meetings and processions and obtain permissions for loudspeakers or gatherings.
- All political parties must follow police instructions to maintain peace and manage traffic.
- Processions must follow pre-approved routes, timings, and start/end points.
- Carrying harmful objects and burning effigies are prohibited.
- Parties and candidates must cooperate with election officials during voting.
- Propaganda, distribution of liquor or crowding near polling booths is prohibited. Camps must remain simple and free of political symbols.
- Governments cannot use official machinery, funds, or positions for campaigning.
- Announcements of financial grants, new projects, infrastructure promises and ad-hoc appointments that could influence voters are prohibited.
- All parties must have equal access to government facilities, including transport, rest houses, dak bungalows and public spaces.
- Election manifestos must follow constitutional principles, be realistic and cannot be released during the prohibited period immediately before polling.