When the model code of conduct comes into force and what it covers

The model code of conduct is a code of discipline that the Election Commission applies to political parties and candidates. It is not a separate Act of Parliament, yet the Commission brings it into force when it announces an election and keeps it in place until the results are declared. The aim is to prevent misuse of the government machinery and to keep campaigning within bounds.

The code deals with ministerial tours, the announcement of new schemes, official advertising, and the tone of campaign speech about opponents. On a complaint the Commission can seek an explanation, issue a warning or take other steps. The outer legal limit also depends on statute, including the Representation of the People Act.

When it begins and when it ends

The code is treated as being in force from the day the Commission announces the election schedule. It remains until the results are declared. In a multi-phase election, some campaign restrictions in areas still to vote follow the phase calendar. Separately, Section 126 imposes a legal silence on public meetings and certain broadcasts for 48 hours before polling ends.

Assembly elections in a large state such as Uttar Pradesh have been held in multiple phases. The model code comes into force across the state with the announcement, while the silence period applies before polling in each phase. The two should not be treated as the same rule.

What the code is not

The model code is not an article of the Constitution and not a chapter of the 1950 or 1951 Act. Its force comes from the Commission’s constitutional responsibility and from the discipline accepted by parties. For a serious breach the Commission can also rely on statutory provisions.

The code does not freeze ordinary administration. Day-to-day government continues, but there are curbs on fresh electoral announcements and on the use of official resources for publicity. The cap is a discipline for the election period, not a permanent end to policy.

Key points

• The model code of conduct is a code of discipline that the Election Commission applies to political parties and candidates.
• The code is treated as being in force from the day the Commission announces the election schedule.
• The model code is not an article of the Constitution and not a chapter of the 1950 or 1951 Act.

The 2024 Lok Sabha context

In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, Uttar Pradesh’s 80 seats were won as follows: Samajwadi Party 37, BJP 33, Congress 6, RLD 2, Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) 1 and Apna Dal (S) 1. Lok Sabha and assembly elections turn on different issues and alliances, so the two results should not be added together to reach a conclusion.

The structure of the House

The Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly has 403 seats. Of these, 84 are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 2 for Scheduled Tribes. The majority mark is 202. The state sends 80 members to the Lok Sabha and 31 to the Rajya Sabha. The legislative council is a separate House whose members come through different electorates and nomination.

Also read:

• Budaun district assembly results 2022
• Mathura district assembly results 2022
• Ghazipur district assembly results 2022

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