ECI issues directions for strict implementation of Model Code of Conduct for Bihar polls

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday issued directions for the strict implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in Bihar, effective immediately following the announcement of the General Election to the Legislative Assembly on October 6, 2025. The MCC will be applicable to the Central Government regarding announcements and policy decisions for Bihar.

The Commission has directed the removal of defacement from government, public, and private properties, and has prohibited the misuse of official vehicles, government accommodation, and resources by political parties, candidates, or individuals associated with elections.

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Additionally, the issuance of advertisements at the cost of the public exchequer is banned. Citizens’ privacy must be respected, with demonstrations or picketing outside private residences prohibited, and the use of land, buildings, or walls for flags, banners, or posters restricted without the owner’s consent.

A complaint monitoring system has been set up including a Call Centre number 1950 in which complaints can be lodged by any member of the public or political party, with the DEO/RO concerned. This system is now operational 24X7.

Citizens and political parties can also report MCC violations using the C-Vigil App on ECINET. 824 Flying squads have been deployed across the state to ensure that the complaints are attended to within 100 minutes.Political Parties are required to inform police authorities in advance of meetings and processions to enable traffic and security arrangements, to comply with prohibitory orders and to obtain necessary permissions for loudspeakers or other facilities.

Ministers are prohibited from combining official duties with electioneering or using government machinery, transport, or personnel for campaign purposes. The Commission has further directed that there will be a ban on the transfer of all officers/officials connected with the conduct of elections.

Officials at all levels have been directed to act impartially in enforcing MCC, ensuring equal treatment of all parties and preventing misuse of official facilities. They must regulate meetings, processions and polling arrangements fairly, safeguard law and order and maintain the credibility of the electoral process.

It has been further directed that public places such as maidans and helipads must be equally available to all parties on the same terms. The SUVIDHA module has been activated on ECINET where political parties can apply for usage of such public places which should be allocated on a first come first served basis.