2024 Lok Sabha elections: EC issues advisory to political parties

NEW DELHI: While announcing the dates for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar said the poll panel is doing everything to tackle the "4 Ms": Muscle, money, misinformation and Model Code violations.
With the announcement of the dates, the model mode of conduct comes into immediate effect.

The poll panel issued an advisory to political parties regarding campaigning to ensure clean and fair elections.
Advisory to political parties:

'Maintain decorum'
The Model Code of Conduct came into force on Saturday with the announcement of Lok Sabha polls by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, who requested political parties to maintain decorum during campaigning.

"I urge parties to refrain from personal attacks and foul language. No-go areas in speeches are defined to maintain civility. Let us not cross lines in our rivalry. We have issued an advisory for the political parties, they are encouraged to foster a political discourse that inspires rather than divides," he said.
The CEC also advised the political parties against hate speeches, caste or religious appeals, criticism of any aspect of private life, masquerading of advertisements as news and social media posts vilifying or insulting rivals.

Responding to a question about allegations of bias in dealing with MCC violations during previous elections, the CEC said, "Wherever there will be a case of violation against anyone, however renowned the politician may be, we will not sit back. We will take action."
"Earlier, we used to morally censor but now we will take action," Kumar added.
(With inputs from agencies)