ECI announces conclusion of Model Code of Conduct following General Elections

Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially announced the cessation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) following the completion of the 2024 General Elections.

 The notification, signed by Senior Principal Secretary Narendra N. Butolia, marks the end of the election-related restrictions that have been in place since March 16, 2024. 

This announcement allows both central and state governments, as well as union territories, to resume their developmental projects and initiatives without any embargo.

The 2024 General Elections, which spanned over three months, involved polling for the House of the People (Lok Sabha) and State Legislative Assemblies in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim, along with certain bye-elections. 

Manish Garg, Chief Electoral Officer of Himachal Pradesh, reiterated the official statement and emphasized that with the lifting of the MCC, the state government is now free to proceed with its planned development projects and policy initiatives.

 This move is expected to accelerate various infrastructure and public welfare schemes that were on hold during the election period.

The MCC heralds a return to regular administrative functions, enabling governments across the country to focus on governance and development without the constraints of election-related regulations. 

This development is anticipated to bring a renewed vigor to public administration and project implementation, fostering growth and progress in various sectors, CEO hoped.

With the declaration of results by the respective Returning Officers, the ECI has confirmed that the MCC is no longer in effect. However, it remains in force for the Graduates and Teachers’ Constituencies of Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Telangana due to ongoing biennial and bye-elections.