By Soniya:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on 7 May 2026 officially lifted the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) following the completion of Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. The MCC was also withdrawn for bye-elections conducted in Assembly constituencies across Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Tripura after the declaration of results.
The Model Code of Conduct is a set of election guidelines issued by the ECI under Article 324 of the Constitution of India. It comes into force once election schedules are announced and regulates campaign activities, speeches, meetings, processions, and the use of government machinery to ensure free and fair elections.
However, the MCC continues to remain in force in West Bengal’s 144-Falta Assembly constituency located in South 24 Parganas district. The Election Commission cancelled polling in the constituency on 3 May 2026 after allegations of electoral irregularities, including tampering of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in nearly 60 polling stations during voting held on 29 April 2026.
The ECI has scheduled fresh polling in all 285 polling stations, including auxiliary booths, on 21 May 2026, while counting of votes will take place on 24 May 2026. The commission stated that the decision was taken to ensure transparency and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
Assembly elections in India are conducted under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, while the Election Commission supervises the entire process using its constitutional powers. The MCC, though not a law, remains an important mechanism to regulate political conduct during elections and maintain a level playing field for all parties.
