Answer

The Election Commission of India (ECI), established under Article 324, ensures free and fair elections. A key regulatory tool is the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which provides ethical guidelines for political parties and candidates. First introduced in 1960 in Kerala, the MCC has evolved into a strict framework enforced by the ECI’s constitutional powers. 

Evolution of the Model Code of Conduct

• 1960 – Introduced in Kerala to regulate electioneering.
• 1968 – Nationwide Adoption, covering speeches, processions, and conduct.
• 1991 – Strengthened Enforcement, restricting government announcements during elections.
• 2000s – Digital Media Monitoring, covering online campaigns and fake news.
• Recent – AI-Based Social Media Monitoring to detect misinformation and MCC violations.

Role of the Election Commission in MCC Implementation

• Ensuring Free and Fair Elections: Prevents misuse of government resources and unethical practices.
  Eg: ECI has acted against divisive election speeches.
• Regulating Candidates and Campaigns: Monitors political activities, restricting bribery and undue influence.
  Eg: Notices were issued in 2024 for inflammatory speeches.
• Restricting Government Actions During Elections: Prevents ruling parties from announcing new policies.
• Monitoring Election Expenditure and Preventing Illicit Funding: Tracks campaign spending and prevents excessive financial influence.
  Eg: In 2019, ECI seized ₹3,400 crore in unaccounted electoral funds.
• Regulating Media and Social Media: Curbs fake news and misleading digital ads.
  Eg: ECI directed social media platforms to remove misleading political content.
• Disciplinary Actions for MCC Violations: Issues warnings, bans leaders from campaigning, and files FIRs.
  Eg: Leaders were temporarily banned from campaigning in 2024 for violations.

The MCC has been vital in ensuring ethical elections, though challenges like social media manipulation, misinformation, and financial malpractice persist. Strengthening legal backing, AI-based monitoring, and strict enforcement can further enhance its effectiveness in safeguarding India’s electoral integrity.

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