The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) aims to ensure free and fair elections by maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. While the MCC has been effective in several ways, it also faces challenges and limitations. Critically analyse.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
Topic: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
4. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) aims to ensure free and fair elections by maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. While the MCC has been effective in several ways, it also faces challenges and limitations. Critically analyse. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: India Times , Insights on India
Why the question: The Congress on Wednesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was trying to “circumvent” the silence period restrictions with his 48-hour meditation trip from May 30 in violation of the model code of conduct and urged the Election Commission to ensure that it is not aired by the media. Key Demand of the question: To write about the effectiveness of MCC and ways to make model code of conduct to make it more effective. Directive word: Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin by defining model code of conduct. Body: First, mention the various features of MCC and its evolution since 1960 – enumerate the 7 Parts of the Code, Public meetings by political parties, Processions by political parties, Poll Day conduct etc. Next, write about the various issues in the MCC – non-binding nature and lack of statutory backing limit its enforceability, inconsistent and sometimes delayed actions by the Election Commission of India (ECI), political influence and insufficient awareness Conclusion: Conclude by writing a way forward to make MCC more robust and effective.
Why the question:
The Congress on Wednesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was trying to “circumvent” the silence period restrictions with his 48-hour meditation trip from May 30 in violation of the model code of conduct and urged the Election Commission to ensure that it is not aired by the media.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the effectiveness of MCC and ways to make model code of conduct to make it more effective.
Directive word:
Critically analyze – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary. When ‘critically’ is suffixed or prefixed to a directive, one needs to look at the good and bad of the topic and give a balanced judgment on the topic.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by defining model code of conduct.
First, mention the various features of MCC and its evolution since 1960 – enumerate the 7 Parts of the Code, Public meetings by political parties, Processions by political parties, Poll Day conduct etc.
Next, write about the various issues in the MCC – non-binding nature and lack of statutory backing limit its enforceability, inconsistent and sometimes delayed actions by the Election Commission of India (ECI), political influence and insufficient awareness
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward to make MCC more robust and effective.