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Journalism of Courage
The Election Commission deserves credit for adjusting the code of conduct for by-elections
The Election Commission is going to tweak the enforcement of the model code of conduct in the upcoming by-polls in 28 constituencies. The model code of conduct is a set of norms which political parties and candidates agree to abide by in the run-up to an election. It is meant to ensure that the ruling party gets no extra advantage over the others,and that the governments powers and prerogatives are not used in any way to tilt the field. This includes the transfer of officers,the use of official perks,government guest houses,vehicles,advertisements or special schemes to buff the ruling partys aura. It applies to the whole country for a general election and to the whole state in the case of an assembly election. For a by-election,it has so far been imposed on the entire district in which the constituency is situated,plunging surrounding areas in limbo.
The Election Commission deserves full credit for keeping our elections free and fair,for zealously intervening to curb the distortions of money and power. Now,it is also clear that the EC is capable of being limber,of adjusting its rule book when faced with an obvious hitch in its workings.
