Following the announcement of the 2026 Assembly election schedule in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on March 15 directed the immediate enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in the four states and the union territory.
Notifications issued by the ECI and the governments of Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry have been published in their official gazettes. The MCC will also apply to the Central Government in matters related to policy decisions and announcements affecting these regions.
The Commission instructed Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers to ensure strict compliance with the MCC provisions. These include removing defacement from government, public, and private properties and preventing the misuse of official vehicles or government accommodation by political parties, candidates, or their supporters. Advertisements funded by public money are prohibited during the election period.
The guidelines also stress the protection of citizens’ privacy, prohibiting demonstrations or picketing outside private residences. Flags, banners, and posters cannot be displayed on private property without the consent of the owner. Political parties must inform police authorities in advance about rallies, meetings, or processions so that traffic and security arrangements can be made. Permissions must also be obtained for the use of loudspeakers or other campaign facilities.
Ministers have been barred from combining official duties with campaigning and cannot use government vehicles, machinery, or personnel for election activities. Officials have been directed to remain impartial, ensure equal treatment for all parties, regulate meetings and processions fairly, and maintain law and order.
To monitor compliance with the MCC, the Election Commission of India has activated a dedicated complaint system. Citizens and political parties can register complaints through the 1950 Call Centre or the C-Vigil mobile application on ECINET.
More than 5,173 flying squads and 5,200 Static Surveillance Teams (SSTs) have been deployed across the states and the union territory to ensure that complaints are addressed within 100 minutes.
The SUVIDHA module on ECINET allows political parties to apply for public spaces such as maidans and helipads, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
These measures highlight the Commission’s efforts to ensure a transparent and fair electoral process, prevent the misuse of government resources, and safeguard citizens’ rights during the 2026 elections.
