NEW DELHI: The Election Commission will give a model code of conduct for political parties and candidates to ensure a free and fair mid-term poll.
“We are actively considering whether to implement the Code in full or in stages” the chief election commissioner (CEC) T N Seshan told reporters here on Monday.
Seshan said the commission had also taken a decision in principle to call a meeting of all political parties on the enforcement of the code the implementation of which was voluntary.
He said though the code normally comes into force after the announcement of election dates the commission can decide on its earlier enforcement as a guardian of free and fair elections to avoid the misuse of official machinery by the party in power and prevent political parties from campaigning on religious grounds.
The deputy election commissioner R P Bhalla who also briefed the press said during the 1989 general elections complaints had been received regarding misuse of government machinery use of state aircraft laying of foundation stones and sanctioning of grants from discretionary funds after the announcement of polls.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 22, 1991
