Model code does not bring governance to halt, EC tells Law Commission

The Election Commission has brushed aside arguments that the model code of conduct brings governance to a halt during polls, saying it only bars governments from announcing fresh projects and schemes during the period.

The poll watchdog also told the Law Commission that as and when government departments approach it with ‘references’ to clear proposals and schemes during poll time, it takes a fast decision understanding the urgency involved.

The issue of model code of conduct came up for elaborate discussion at a meeting between the top brass of EC and law panel in New Delhi on May 16 when they met to discuss the possibility of holding simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

When members of the law panel asked the EC about the “argument” that the model code brings governance to a halt, the poll panel rejected the suggestion outrightly, sources aware of the deliberations said.

The EC was of the view that the code does not bring governance to a halt. It said the code only bars announcement and launch of new schemes and projects so that voters are not influenced by the party in power.

It also told the law panel that “it works with alacrity” when government departments seek its permission to go ahead with certain decisions during model code period.

As and when government departments approach us with ‘references’ to clear proposals and schemes during poll time, we take a fast decision understanding the urgency involved: EC