ECI issues guidelines for strict implementation of Model Code of Conduct for Bihar elections

(Forelines) – On October 6, 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) declared the date of the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Bihar, according to Press Information Bureau.

With this announcement, ECI has instructed Bihar’s chief electoral officer and chief secretary to implement the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in the state immediately. When it comes to pronouncements and policy choices pertaining to Bihar, the Central Government would also be subject to the MCC.

The Commission has ordered that strict adherence to the directives regarding the removal of defacement from public, private, and government property; the prohibition against the issuance of advertisements at the expense of the public coffers; and the misuse of official vehicles or government accommodations by political parties, candidates, or other election-related individuals.

There must be no picketing or protests outside of private homes in order to preserve residents’ right to privacy. Flags, banners, or posters cannot be erected on land, buildings, or walls without the owner’s permission.

A complaint monitoring system has been established, which includes a Call Center number 1950 where any member of the public or political party can file a complaint with the relevant DEO or RO. This system is presently up and running around the clock.

The C-Vigil App on ECINET is another tool that citizens and political parties can use to report MCC infractions. To guarantee that the complaints are resolved within 100 minutes, 824 flying squads have been stationed throughout the state.

In order to facilitate traffic and security preparations, adhere to prohibitory orders, and get the needed permits for loudspeakers or other facilities, political parties must notify police authorities ahead of time about meetings and processions.

Ministers are not allowed to use government vehicles, staff, or equipment for campaigning, nor may they mix official and electioneering responsibilities.

Additionally, the Commission has mandated that no officers or officials involved in election administration may be transferred.

All levels of officials have been instructed to enforce MCC equitably, treat all parties equally, and stop the abuse of government resources. They must protect peace and order, uphold the legitimacy of the electoral process, and equitably control meetings, processions, and voting places.

Additionally, all parties must have equitable access to public spaces like helipads and maidans on the same terms. Political parties can now apply to use these public spaces through the SUVIDHA module on ECINET; space will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.