Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Impact of Election Commission’s Announcement on March 16

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to unveil the dates for the upcoming Lok Sabha 2024 elections at 3 pm on March 16. Following this announcement, the Model Code of Conduct will be enforced nationwide until the declaration of election results.

Here are the key changes expected after the announcement of election dates:

1. ECI guidelines prohibit ministers and authorities from announcing financial grants or making promises thereof once the elections are announced.
2. Ministers are restricted from laying foundation stones or inaugurating projects or schemes, tasks that will be delegated solely to civil servants.
3. Any pledges or assurances related to infrastructure development, such as road construction or provision of drinking water facilities, are prohibited during this period.
4. Ad-hoc appointments in government or public sector undertakings (PSUs) that could sway voters in favour of the ruling party are prohibited.
5. Ministers and authorities are barred from sanctioning grants or payments from discretionary funds during the election period.
6. Official visits cannot involve electioneering activities once the Model Code of Conduct is in effect. The use of official machinery or personnel for electioneering purposes is strictly prohibited.
7. Government transport, including official aircraft, vehicles, machinery, and personnel, cannot be utilized to further the interests of the ruling party during elections.
8. Public spaces like grounds for holding election meetings and helipads for air travel must be accessible to all parties and candidates on equal terms.
9. The issuance of advertisements at the expense of public funds in newspapers and other media during the election period is prohibited. Misuse of official mass media for partisan coverage of political news and publicity regarding achievements to favour the ruling party must be avoided, as per the MCC guidelines.

The Model Code of Conduct serves to ensure a fair electoral process by establishing rules for all political parties and candidates. These guidelines are issued by the ECI.