Model code infractions are closely monitored by the poll panel

Election Commission (EC) severe enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in the run-up to the Lok Sabha election as a result of the growing tempo of electioneering and the increase in MCC violation cases.

Sanjay Kaul, the Chief vote Officer (CEO) of Kerala, reports that more than a thousand teams from the state election panel are stationed around the state to investigate vote irregularities. Apart from handling citizen complaints using the cVIGIL app, the teams would also act on their own initiative when they saw anomalies.

Static surveillance teams keep an eye out for general MCC infractions in addition to identifying norm breaches, particularly the flow of undeclared funds. They are operating at different areas as checkpoints,” Kaul said to TNIE.

The poll panel has also established a flying squad, which is always in motion, to add quickness to its operations against infractions. According to the source, “it has been ensured that every assembly segment under a parliamentary constituency has at least three such flying squads,” and their widespread use deters criminals.

This time around, there are far fewer posters and hoardings since election department personnel are monitoring the area extensively. “Political parties suffer a disadvantage if the poll panel crew tears down or removes a significant number of their unauthorized posters and banners. Additionally, it discourages widespread vandalism of public property, the officer said.

The public’s reaction to the EC’s cVIGIL app, which allows users to report electoral code infractions, has likewise been overwhelmingly positive. Although there were worries that fraudulent complaints would be filed using the app, 98% of the problems reported in Kerala turned out to be real.

It is noteworthy that more than one lakh of the approximately 1.5 lakh complaints via cVIGIL that were received nationwide were from Kerala. This demonstrates that the voter is well aware of the resources available to him to guarantee a fair and free election,” Kaul added.

According to the source, when the polling panel issued notice for infractions, the majority of the parties followed its instructions. Furthermore, as most of the complaints concerned the unauthorized use of posters, banners, and election materials as well as property defacement, there was no need to file criminal charges.

Despite being few in number, additional complaints regarding MCC violations included posters with incorrect publisher information, the unauthorized use of cars for polling purposes, the distribution of cash, alcohol, and gifts, the display of weapons, hate speech, and the use of loudspeakers after hours.

SURROGATE / INDIRECT MCC VIOLATIONS

The EC has discovered surrogate or indirect MCC breaches in addition to direct ones:

Use of offensive or harsh rhetoric directed toward rival celebrity campaigners

Making unfounded or fraudulent claims

Slang used to express heavenly disapproval or personal defamation

Use of disparaging and vile images and postings on social media

Give disinformation and present social media postings out of context.

In order to entice voters, make delivery promises under false pretenses.

Attack political opponents directly or make fun of their candidates

Deceptive advertising masquerading as news articles to sabotage fair competition

State administrations strategically pushing their social programs in neighboring states

using the candidate’s name to make generalized remarks disparaging certain voting groupings