Model Code of Conduct: What Changes in UP When the ECI Announces the 2027 Election

When does the Model Code of Conduct start?

The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into force from the date the Election Commission announces the election schedule, and it remains in force until the election process is complete — that is, until the results are declared and the process formally closes.

Because the 2027 schedule has not been announced yet, the Model Code of Conduct is not in force in Uttar Pradesh as of 8 November 2026. It will begin on the day of the announcement.

What the Model Code of Conduct does

The Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission for political parties, candidates and governments during elections. Its purpose is a level playing field: no party in power may use official machinery or government announcements to gain an unfair advantage.

• The government cannot announce new schemes, grants or financial promises once the code is in force.
• Ministers and officials cannot combine official visits with election campaigning, or use government vehicles and machinery for campaigning.
• No party or candidate may appeal to voters on the basis of religion, caste or community, or use places of worship for campaigning.
• Parties must not bribe or intimidate voters, and must not hold rallies or processions without permission.
• Government advertisements that highlight the ruling party's achievements are restricted during the code period.

What it means for voters

For voters, the code changes little in daily life — but it is the reason government announcements slow down during election season, and why complaints about violations can be filed with the Election Commission and the district election officer. The ECI's cVIGIL app is the official channel for reporting violations with photo or video evidence.