Model Code of Conduct Enforced in Haryana for Upcoming Municipal Elections

The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in Haryana for the upcoming Municipal Elections, effective from February 4, 2025, outlines several key directives to ensure fair and transparent electoral processes

Importance of Model Code of Conduct in Elections

The Election Commission of India has published a set of rules known as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) to govern how candidates and political parties behave during elections. Its fundamental objective is to provide an even playing field and uphold the integrity of the democratic system in order to guarantee free, fair, and transparent election procedures.

The MCC forbids political parties and candidates from taking part in any actions that might incite animosity or hostility between various communities, castes, faiths, or linguistic groupings. Additionally, it prohibits communication that encourages animosity or violence.

The MCC makes certain that the election process is carried out in a peaceful, transparent, and orderly way. It offers rules for how processions, gatherings, and election manifestos should be conducted.

Key points of Model Code of Conduct in Haryana

Several significant guidelines have been specified in the Haryana Model Code of Conduct that must be adhered to during the March 2025 Haryana Municipal elections.

New Projects and Schemes Are Prohibited: During the election time, no new projects or schemes may be declared, and no foundation stones may be placed in the affected districts.

Transfer Restrictions: It is forbidden for officers and officials doing election-related tasks to be moved until the election process is over. Any required transfers must have the State Election Commission’s prior written consent.

Schedule of Elections: Here is the election schedule:

February 11–17, 2025 (not including February 12 and 16 holidays) is the nomination period.
Voting Date: March 2, 2025 (except Panipat for all municipalities).
The date of the Panipat poll is March 9, 2025.
The date of the vote count is March 12, 2025.

Posting Transfer Prohibition: During the election season, officers and officials involved in holding municipal general elections are not permitted to be transferred without first obtaining written consent from the State Election Commission.

Application of the Model Code of Conduct: The Model Code of Conduct is immediately applicable and will stay so until the election results are announced.

In order to preserve the election process’s integrity and guarantee fair competition for all candidates, several steps are being taken.

Concluding Words

By adhering to the Model Code of Conduct, political parties and candidates contribute to the credibility of the electoral process, fostering public trust in democratic institutions.