Election Process in India: Code of Conduct, Voting, Results

Model Code of Conduct

In addition to the laws, all political parties in the country have agreed to a model code of conduct for the election campaign. This includes:

• (i) Any place of worship shall not be used for election propaganda.
• (ii) Criticism of the opposing candidates shall be limited to their policies and programs, past record of public service, and not mention of their private personal lives.
• (iii) Government official transport like cars, vehicles, machinery, aircraft, and personnel shall not be used by government officials or ministers.
• (iv) No posters, pamphlets, notices, or slogans shall be placed on any building without the permission of the owner.
• (v) After the elections have been announced, no minister shall lay down foundation stones of any project, make appointments and transfers of officials, or make any promises for providing public facilities.

Voting

On the date fixed earlier, voting takes place. For voting, election booths are set up. Voters go to the polling booths and cast their votes for the candidates of their choice. Voting is held by secret ballot. These days, Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) are used to record votes. The EVM has the names of the candidates and their election symbols. The voters have to press the button against the name and symbol of the candidate they wish to vote for.

Counting of Votes and Declaration of Result

After the voting is over, the ballot boxes are sealed and taken to the counting centers. There, the ballot boxes are opened before the candidates or their agents, and votes are counted under the supervision of the returning officer. A candidate who gets the highest number of votes is declared elected.

Election Petition

If any candidate feels that the election in his or her constituency has not been held properly, or if he or she has any objection against the result, he or she can file an election petition in the Court. If the objections raised are found to be correct, the court can set aside that election. In that constituency, the election will be held again.