New Delhi: With the Lok Sabha elections 2024 expected to be announced soon, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued an advisory to all the political parties and candidates, urging them to adhere to the model code of conduct and refrain from any violation that could affect the electoral process.
Do not seek votes on communal lines or insult religious sentiments
The ECI has advised the political parties and candidates not to seek votes based on caste, religion, language, or any other communal factor, as it is against the constitutional principles and the spirit of democracy. The ECI has also cautioned them not to insult or denigrate the relationship between devotee and deity, or make any statement regarding temple, mosque, church, gurudwara, or any other place of worship, as it could hurt the religious sentiments of the voters and disturb the communal harmony.
The ECI has warned that any violation of these norms could invite action under the relevant laws and the model code of conduct, which is a set of guidelines to ensure free and fair elections.
Repeat offenders may face strict action
The ECI has also reminded the political parties and candidates that those who have already received notices for violating the model code of conduct in the past may face strict action if they repeat the offense. The ECI has said that it will monitor the conduct of the star campaigners and candidates closely and take appropriate measures to ensure compliance with the rules.
The ECI has also asked the political parties and candidates to cooperate with the election officials and the security forces and respect the authority of the ECI.
Promote ethical and respectful political practices
The ECI has also appealed to the political parties and candidates to promote ethical and respectful political practices that focus on the issues and policies rather than personal attacks or divisive rhetoric. The ECI has said that it expects the political parties and candidates to uphold the dignity and decorum of public campaigning and engage in issue-based debates that inform and educate the voters.
The ECI has also advised the political parties and candidates not to make any false, baseless, or misleading statements that could misguide the voters or create confusion or mistrust in the electoral process. The ECI has also asked them to refrain from sharing any posts on social media that defame or insult their rivals or spread hatred or violence.
ECI aims to ensure smooth and peaceful elections
The ECI issued this advisory a few days before the likely announcement of the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections of four states at the end of this month. The ECI has said that it is committed to conducting the elections in a smooth and peaceful manner, and ensuring that the model code of conduct is not violated by any party or candidate.
The ECI has also said that it is inspired by the moral and political values of the country and hopes that the political parties and candidates will cooperate with the ECI and follow the advisory in letter and spirit. The ECI has said that it is confident that the voters will exercise their franchise in a free and fair manner and elect their representatives wisely.
