Odisha: Announcement of panchayat poll dates soon! SEC prescribes MCC

Bhubaneswar: The date for the forthcoming panchayat elections is expected to be announced soon with the State Election Commission (SEC) prescribing Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for conduct of free and fair elections to the PRIs.

The Model Code of Conduct will come into force from the date of issue of notification and will remain till the completion of the counting of votes.

The Election Commission ensures its observance by political party (ies) in power, including ruling parties at the Centre and in the States and contesting candidates in the discharge of its constitutional duties for conducting the free, fair and peaceful elections.

The Model Code of Conduct for guidance of political parties and candidates is a set of norms which has been evolved with the consensus of political parties who have consented to abide by the principles embodied in the said code and also binds them to respect and observe it in its letter and spirit.

he salient features of the Model Code of Conduct lay down how political parties, contesting candidates and party(s) in power should conduct themselves during the process of elections i.e. on their general conduct during electioneering, holding meetings and processions, poll day activities and functioning of the party in power etc.