Model Code of Conduct: A Checklist for Panchayat Election Candidates

Election Compliance - 2026-10-17 - ATTPL EMS

Model Code of Conduct checklist for Panchayat election candidates

For Panchayat elections, the Model Code of Conduct is issued and enforced by the State Election Commission. It applies to candidates, their supporters, political parties and the government machinery from the announcement of elections until the process is complete. First-time candidates often lose time — or face complaints — simply because they did not know the rules. This checklist covers the basics.

Read the official instructions first

Rules can differ between states and between elections. Always read the latest orders of your State Election Commission — in Rajasthan, the State Election Commission, Rajasthan — and keep printed copies with your campaign team. When in doubt, ask the returning officer in writing.

Appoint one trusted person in the team as the "compliance in-charge" who keeps the orders, permissions and expense records in one file.

Nomination and paperwork

Check eligibility conditions for the post as notified
Prepare required documents and affidavits well before the last date
Read the instructions on the nomination form carefully
Keep copies of everything submitted and the receipts

Meetings and publicity

Take the required permissions for meetings, processions and loudspeakers
Use posters, banners and wall writing only where allowed, with printer and publisher details where required
Do not appeal for votes on the basis of caste, religion or community
Do not attack opponents on their private life; focus on policies, work and plans
Do not use places of worship for campaigning

Social media posts and WhatsApp messages are also part of the campaign. Avoid fake news, hate speech and unverified claims, and keep a record of what the official campaign accounts publish.

Expenditure and records

Where an expenditure limit or account submission is prescribed, keep daily accounts of campaign spending with bills and vouchers, and submit them in the format and time required. Money spent by supporters for your campaign may also count, so keep the team informed.

What to avoid completely

Distributing cash, liquor or gifts to voters — this is a corrupt practice
Using government vehicles, buildings or staff for campaigning
Threatening, pressuring or misleading voters
Campaigning during the restricted period before polling
Transporting voters to and from polling stations where it is prohibited

Violations can lead to complaints, cases and, in serious cases, the election being challenged. A clean campaign also builds trust with voters for the years ahead.

Brief your team and supporters

Most violations happen not because of the candidate, but because an enthusiastic supporter did not know the rules. Hold a short briefing for volunteers at the start of the campaign and repeat it before polling day.

Explain what is allowed and what is not, in simple local language
Give one phone number to call before doing anything unusual, such as a new rally or a large banner
Ask volunteers not to post or forward unverified messages on social media
Make it clear that no one is authorised to offer money or gifts to voters

A written one-page "do and don't" sheet, shared on the team's WhatsApp group, prevents many problems. Campaign tools such as ATTPL Campaign Management help teams share such instructions and track who has received them.

Polling and counting day

Appoint polling and counting agents as per the rules, keep the area near the polling station free of campaigning, and report problems to the presiding officer or election authorities rather than acting on your own. Keep calm and make sure supporters do the same, whatever the result.

Prepare well

Candidates and their teams can learn governance and election compliance at the ATTPL EMS Democratic Leadership Academy. Read about the case for governance technology in Panchayat elections by Ashok Godara, and see our booth management guide.

Frequently asked questions

Who enforces the code in Panchayat elections?

The State Election Commission of the state concerned.

When does the code apply?

Generally from the announcement of the election schedule until the completion of the election process, as notified by the Commission.

Is distributing gifts to voters allowed?

No. Bribing voters with cash, liquor or gifts is a corrupt practice under election law.

Sources: State Election Commission, Rajasthan, Election Commission of India