JNU polls: MCC takes effect, campaign kicks off

According to a statement made by an official on Friday, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has adopted the model code of conduct (MCC), which outlines guidelines for conducting poll campaigns, for the students’ union election scheduled for March 22.

The rule prohibits students from making divisive statements, courting votes on the basis of caste, religion, or community, or disseminating false information when running for office.

The limited code of behavior that has been in place on the JNU campus since March 10—the day before the election was announced—was continued by the MCC, which went into force on Thursday night. On March 24, the votes will be counted, and then the outcome will be announced.

“All candidates shall be prohibited from indulging in activities which are considered corrupt practices such as bribing voters, intimidating voters, impersonating voters, canvassing or the use of propaganda within 100 meters of polling station,” according to the JNUSU election committee’s rules.

The guidelines state that the maximum amount that students may spend on their attire per candidate is Rs 5,000.

The Covid-19 epidemic caused a four-year hiatus before the JNUSU election was held. The most recent event took place in 2019.

The partially enforced code of behavior that was previously in place will also stay in force. This states that students cannot use posters or brochures without the election committee’s prior consent.

The guidelines state that the only materials that contesting students and their organizations may use for their on-campus campaigns are photocopies and handcrafted posters.

According to the regulation, students are not allowed to deface university property for political purposes or make posters out of campus buildings, roads, electric poles, bus stops, trees, etc.