The Choice before EC

Context: The Election Commission of India (ECI) emphasized the importance of a level playing field (LPF) in 2024 general elections.

Level playing field (LPF)-Significance

• Crucial for ensuring fair democratic elections.
• Ensures fairness in the electoral process, despite inherent inequalities among contestants.

Model code of conduct (MCC) ensuring Level Playing Field:

• The MCC refers to a set of guidelines and rules that regulate the behavior of political parties and candidates during elections.
• Regulates behavior during elections, applies to candidates, political parties, and the ruling party separately.
• Prevent actions that could disrupt the electoral process or provide undue advantage to the ruling party.
• Evolved over time to address emerging challenges and maintain democratic integrity.

The way ahead:

• Balancing adherence to established rules with the need for fair elections poses a challenge for the ECI.
• The spirit of fairness embodied in the MCC must guide its enforcement to uphold the principles of free and fair elections.

Source: Indian Express