Why it is in news?

• The Himachal Pradesh Assembly poll will be held in a single phase on November 9.

Himachal Election

• With the announcement the model code of conduct for Himachal Pradesh comes into force immediately.
•  It will be applicable for the State and the Central governments on decisions related to the State.
• First time, 136 all-women-managed polling stations were being set up in .
• As per rules, the Commission has to complete the election process within 46 days

Why the Gujrat Polls not announced simultaneously?

• The Gujarat administration had requested the EC for some more time in making the arrangements as it was busy in the relief and rehabilitation work in the wake of floods in July.
• Refuting any anomaly, the Chief Election Commissioner said elections to the two State Assemblies were also announced and held separately in the past: 1993 and 2002.
• Other factors, like festivals and availability of Central armed forces for security arrangements and transportation of election-related equipment and material, were also taken into account while deciding the schedules.

Who is Chief election Commissioner?

• Achal Kumar Joti.

What is the Model Code of Conduct?

• 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
• The Model Code of Conduct is enforced from the date of announcement of election schedule by the Election Commission and is operational till the process of elections are completed.

What is the role of Election Commission in the matter?

• 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 to the Parliament and the State Legislatures under Article 324 of the Constitution of India.
• It is also ensured that official machinery for the electoral purposes is not misused.
• Further, it is also ensured that electoral offences, malpractices and corrupt practices such as impersonation, bribing and inducement of voters, threat and intimidation to the voters are prevented by all means.
• In case of violation, appropriate measures are taken.

What is applicability of code during general elections and

bye-elections?

1. During general elections to House of People (Lok Sabha), the code is applicable throughout the country.
2. During general elections to the Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha), the code is applicable in the entire State.
3. During bye-elections, the code is applicable in the entire district or districts in which the constituency falls.

Rules for transfers and postings of officials in election work

• There shall be a total ban on the transfer and posting of all officers/officials directly or indirectly connected with the conduct of the election.
• If any transfer or posting of an officer is considered necessary, prior approval of the Commission shall be obtained.

Misuse of public money for media campaigns

• The advertisement regarding achievements of the party at the cost of public exchequer in the print and electronic media and the misuse of official mass media during the period of election is prohibited