TFP Bureau, New Delhi, October 8, 2025: Following the announcement of the schedule for the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections on October 6, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued comprehensive directions to ensure the immediate and strict implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) across the state. The Commission has instructed the Chief Secretary and Chief Electoral Officer of Bihar to enforce all MCC provisions without delay, emphasizing that the code will also apply to the Central Government regarding announcements and policy decisions related to Bihar.
The ECI has ordered rigorous compliance with key MCC norms, including the removal of political defacement from government, public, and private properties. Political parties and candidates have been cautioned against the misuse of official vehicles, government accommodation, and public funds for advertising or campaign purposes. The Commission underscored that citizens’ privacy must be respected, prohibiting demonstrations or picketing outside private residences and disallowing the use of private property for flags, banners, or posters without the owner’s consent.
To strengthen enforcement, the ECI has activated a robust complaint monitoring system, including a 24×7 call centre (number 1950) where citizens and political parties can register complaints directly with the concerned District Election Officer (DEO) or Returning Officer (RO). Additionally, the C-Vigil app on the ECINET platform allows voters to report MCC violations instantly, with 824 flying squads deployed statewide to ensure that complaints are verified and addressed within 100 minutes.
The Commission has also directed political parties to inform local police authorities in advance of any meetings or processions to facilitate necessary traffic and security arrangements. Permissions for the use of loudspeakers, stages, or other facilities must also be obtained in compliance with existing prohibitory orders.
To maintain neutrality and transparency, the ECI has imposed a ban on the transfer of all officers and officials connected with election duties during the MCC period. Ministers have been barred from combining official duties with electioneering or using government machinery, transport, or staff for campaign activities.
Officials at every level have been instructed to act impartially, ensuring equal treatment of all political parties and candidates. They are required to regulate meetings and processions fairly, maintain law and order, and uphold the credibility of the electoral process.
The Commission has also emphasized equal access to public spaces such as maidans, grounds, and helipads for all political parties. The SUVIDHA module on ECINET has been activated to streamline this process, allowing parties to apply for venues on a first-come, first-served basis to promote fairness and transparency.
Through these comprehensive measures, the ECI aims to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election in Bihar, reinforcing public trust in the democratic process.
