Campaign in Civics — Complete Notes for JKSSB
Introduction
In a democracy, elections are not limited to the act of voting. Before voters reach the polling station, political parties and candidates try to convince them to support their programmes, policies and candidates. This organized effort is called an election campaign.
For competitive examinations such as JKSSB, JK Police, Assistant Compiler and other government exams, the topic of election campaign is important because questions can be asked from its meaning, objectives, methods, Model Code of Conduct, restrictions, 48-hour silence period, election manifesto, role of political parties and Election Commission.
The Election Commission of India describes the Model Code of Conduct as a set of norms developed with the consensus of political parties to guide their conduct during elections. It becomes operational from the announcement of the election schedule and continues until the election process is completed.
1. Meaning of Election Campaign
An election campaign is the organized activity undertaken by political parties and candidates to communicate their policies, programmes, promises and ideas to voters and persuade them to vote for a particular party or candidate.
Simple Example
Suppose an Assembly election is going to be held in a constituency.
Candidate A says:
“If elected, I will work for better roads, schools and employment opportunities.”
Candidate A may organize public meetings, door-to-door campaigning, rallies, distribute permitted campaign material and communicate with voters through various media.
All these activities together form part of the election campaign.
Exam Definition
Election campaign is the process through which political parties and candidates communicate their policies, programmes, achievements and promises to voters in order to seek electoral support.
2. Main Objectives of Election Campaign
The primary objective of an election campaign is to persuade voters to support a particular candidate or political party.
Other important objectives include:
1. Creating political awareness
Campaigns inform citizens about political issues, government policies and alternative programmes.
2. Introducing candidates
Voters get an opportunity to know about candidates, their background, experience and political agenda.
3. Presenting policies and programmes
Political parties explain what they intend to do if elected.
4. Seeking votes
The ultimate electoral purpose is to obtain the support of voters.
5. Comparing political alternatives
Campaigns allow voters to compare different parties and candidates.
6. Mobilizing voters
Political parties encourage their supporters to participate in the electoral process.
3. Major Methods of Election Campaign
Election campaigns can be conducted through several methods.
Public Meetings
Political parties organize meetings where candidates and party leaders address voters.
Election Rallies
Large gatherings are organized to demonstrate political support and communicate campaign messages.
Door-to-Door Campaigning
Candidates and party workers directly meet voters and explain their programmes.
Posters, Banners and Pamphlets
Campaign material may be used to communicate information about candidates and parties, subject to applicable election rules.
Newspapers and Television
Political parties use traditional mass media to reach large numbers of voters.
Radio
Radio remains an important medium for reaching voters, particularly in areas where internet access may be limited.
Digital and Social Media
Modern campaigns also use websites, social-media platforms, online advertisements and digital communication.
However, digital campaigning does not mean that normal election laws and restrictions disappear. Election-related communication remains subject to applicable laws and Election Commission directions.
4. Election Campaign and Democracy
Election campaigns are important for a healthy democracy because democracy requires citizens to make an informed choice.
A voter should ideally be able to compare:
Candidate → Party → Policies → Programme → Performance → Promises
and then make an independent decision.
Thus, a proper election campaign should provide voters with information rather than intimidation, misinformation or inducements.
5. Model Code of Conduct — Most Important for Exam
One of the most important concepts connected with election campaigns is the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
The MCC is a set of guidelines for political parties and candidates regarding their conduct during elections. The Election Commission states that it is intended to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections and a level playing field.
Important Point
MCC comes into force from the date of announcement of the election schedule by the Election Commission.
It remains operational until the election process is completed.
Memory Trick
“Schedule announced → MCC starts.”
6. Why is the Model Code of Conduct Necessary?
Imagine an election in which one political party is allowed to use government machinery, intimidate opponents and appeal for votes on communal grounds while other candidates are not.
Would that election provide a level playing field?
No.
Therefore, the MCC attempts to ensure:
Free election + Fair competition + Peaceful campaigning + Level playing field
7. Important Rules During Election Campaign
According to the Election Commission's MCC, political parties and candidates should maintain responsible conduct during electioneering.
No Appeal on Caste or Communal Grounds
Candidates and political parties should not seek votes by appealing to caste or communal feelings.
Places of worship such as temples, mosques and churches should not be used as forums for election propaganda.
Criticism Should Be Issue-Based
Criticism of political opponents should generally be confined to:
Policies + Programmes + Past record + Work
Personal life unrelated to public activities should not become the basis of political criticism.
Unverified allegations and distortions should also be avoided.
No Bribing of Voters
A candidate cannot buy electoral support by offering money or other inducements.
No Intimidation
Voters must be free to exercise their franchise without fear or pressure.
No Impersonation
A person cannot vote by pretending to be another voter.
No Campaigning Near Polling Stations
The MCC specifically refers to canvassing within 100 metres of polling stations among activities that parties and candidates must avoid.
8. The 48-Hour Silence Period
This is a very important JKSSB examination point.
Under Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, public meetings and certain forms of election propaganda are prohibited during the 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the close of poll.
This period is popularly known as the:
Silence Period / Election Silence Period
Why 48 Hours?
The purpose is to provide voters with a period of relative freedom from active campaign influence immediately before voting.
Exam Trap
❌ “Campaign ends 48 hours before polling begins.”
This is not the most precise formulation.
✅ The prohibition applies during the 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for the close of poll.
This distinction is particularly useful in examinations.
9. Election Manifesto
An election manifesto is a document issued by a political party containing its major policies, programmes, commitments and proposed actions if it comes to power.
Example
A party manifesto may promise:
improvement of education;
better healthcare;employment programmes;
infrastructure development;
agricultural support;
social welfare measures.
Manifesto vs Campaign
These two concepts should not be confused.
Campaign = The overall process of seeking electoral support.
Manifesto = A document containing the party's proposed policies and programmes.
Therefore:
Manifesto is one important component of an election campaign, but campaign is much broader than manifesto.
The Election Commission's manifesto guidelines emphasize that promises should be consistent with constitutional principles and the MCC, and parties are expected to explain the rationale and broad means of financing promises.
10. Election Campaign by the Party in Power
A particularly important principle is that the ruling party must not misuse government machinery for electoral advantage.
The MCC requires the party in power to ensure that official position and government resources are not used to unfairly promote its electoral interests.
For example, government vehicles, personnel and official machinery should not be used for electioneering.
Ministers should not combine official visits with electioneering work, subject to the specific rules and exceptions applicable under Election Commission instructions.
11. Government Advertisements and Election Campaign
The government should not use public money to give partisan publicity to the achievements of the ruling party during the election period.
The MCC specifically addresses advertisements at public expense and misuse of official mass media for partisan coverage or publicity intended to further the prospects of the party in power.
Exam Concept
Government money ≠ Party campaign money
Public resources belong to the government/state and should not be converted into an electoral advantage for a political party.
12. Election Campaign and Political Equality
An important democratic principle behind campaign regulation is the idea of a:
Level Playing Field
A level playing field means that political parties and candidates should compete under fair and reasonably equal conditions.
For example:
If the ruling party uses government machinery for campaign purposes while opposition candidates cannot access equivalent public facilities, electoral competition becomes unfair.
The Election Commission expressly identifies maintaining a level playing field as an important purpose of the MCC.
13. Role of Election Commission in Election Campaign
The Election Commission of India (ECI) plays a central role in ensuring that election campaigns are conducted according to applicable rules and guidelines.
Article 324 of the Constitution of India gives the Election Commission superintendence, direction and control over elections to Parliament and State Legislatures, as well as the offices of President and Vice-President.
The ECI monitors compliance with the MCC and takes appropriate action where violations occur.
The Commission also provides mechanisms for reporting election-related violations, including through its election-related digital systems.
14. Campaign and Criminal Antecedents
Transparency about candidates is another important electoral principle.
Candidates with criminal antecedents are subject to disclosure requirements, and political parties fielding candidates with criminal backgrounds also have specified publication obligations. The Election Commission has required such information to be published in newspapers and through television channels on three occasions during the campaign period in the circumstances covered by its directions.
Why is this important?
Because voters have the right to make an informed choice.
15. Campaigning Should Be Peaceful
Political parties should respect the right of other parties to conduct meetings and processions peacefully.
Supporters should not:
disrupt another party's meeting;
create disturbances;obstruct political activities;
organize provocative demonstrations;
create unnecessary tension.
The MCC specifically instructs parties and candidates to avoid disturbances and obstruction of meetings and processions organized by opponents.
16. Respect for Private Life
Political competition does not eliminate an individual's right to peaceful private life.
The MCC states that the peaceful and undisturbed home life of individuals should be respected, and demonstrations or picketing outside private residences should not be used as a political tactic.
17. Permission for Use of Property
A political party or candidate should not use another person's land, building, compound wall etc. for:
flags + banners + posters + notices + slogans
without permission.
Simple Example
If Candidate A wants to put a large campaign banner on the wall of Candidate B's supporter without permission, that would violate the relevant campaign guidelines.
18. Polling Day and Campaign
Polling day is different from an ordinary campaign day.
Political parties and candidates are expected to cooperate with election officials and ensure peaceful polling.
The MCC also contains provisions concerning:
party camps near polling stations;campaign material;
crowd management;
identity slips;
vehicles;
liquor;
polling-station conduct.
The ECI specifically states that unnecessary crowds should not be allowed around party camps near polling booths and that candidate camps should remain simple and free from unnecessary propaganda material.
19. Campaign vs Voting
These are two different stages.
| Campaign | Voting |
|---|---|
| Takes place before polling | Takes place on polling day |
| Parties seek support | Voters exercise franchise |
| Candidates explain policies | Voters select candidate/party |
| Rallies and meetings may occur subject to rules | Polling station rules apply |
| Persuasion is central | Secret choice of voter is central |
20. Campaign vs Manifesto
| Election Campaign | Election Manifesto |
|---|---|
| Broad electoral activity | Party document |
| Includes meetings, speeches, media etc. | Contains policies and promises |
| Conducted by parties/candidates | Usually issued by political party |
| Main objective is electoral support | Explains proposed programme |
| Wider concept | One component/source of campaign information |
21. Important Constitutional and Legal Connections
For JKSSB, remember these connections:
Article 324
Deals with the superintendence, direction and control of elections by the Election Commission.
Representation of the People Act, 1951
Contains important provisions relating to elections, including restrictions relevant to election campaigning.
Section 126, RPA 1951
Associated with the 48-hour prohibition period immediately preceding the close of poll.
Model Code of Conduct
Guidelines governing the conduct of political parties and candidates during elections.
22. Super Important Exam Facts
Fact 1: Election campaign is an organized effort to obtain electoral support.
Fact 2: Campaigns help voters understand competing policies and candidates.
Fact 3: The Model Code of Conduct is intended to promote free, fair and peaceful elections.
Fact 4: MCC comes into force from the announcement of the election schedule.
Fact 5: MCC continues until the election process is completed.
Fact 6: Political parties should not seek votes by appealing to caste or communal feelings.
Fact 7: Places of worship should not be used as forums for election propaganda.
Fact 8: Criticism should focus on policies, programmes, past record and work.
Fact 9: Bribery, intimidation and impersonation are prohibited electoral practices.
Fact 10: Canvassing within 100 metres of a polling station is among the activities prohibited under the relevant election rules/MCC framework.
Fact 11: The 48-hour period is called the election silence period.
Fact 12: Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 is crucial for the 48-hour restriction.
Fact 13: The ruling party must not misuse government machinery for election campaigning.
Fact 14: Government resources should not be used to provide an unfair electoral advantage to the party in power.
Fact 15: An election manifesto contains the policies and programmes promised by a political party.
JKSSB Exam-Oriented MCQs
Q1. What is the primary objective of an election campaign?
A. To appoint election officials
B. To persuade voters to support a candidate or party
C. To count votes
D. To prepare electoral rolls
Answer: B
Q2. The Model Code of Conduct comes into force:
A. On the day of polling
B. On the date of nomination
C. On announcement of the election schedule
D. After declaration of results
Answer: C
Q3. The Model Code of Conduct is primarily intended to:
A. Maintain a level playing field
B. Promote peaceful elections
C. Regulate the conduct of political parties and candidates
D. Replace the Constitution
Answer: A, B and C
Q4. Which Article of the Constitution deals with the superintendence, direction and control of elections by the Election Commission?
A. Article 280
B. Article 324
C. Article 356
D. Article 368
Answer: B
Q5. Which of the following is associated with the 48-hour silence period?
A. Article 324
B. Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951
C. Article 21
D. Article 280
Answer: B
Q6. Which of the following are appropriate subjects for criticism of an opposing political party under the MCC?
A. Its policies
B. Its programmes
C. Its past record
D. Unrelated aspects of the private life of its leaders
Answer: A, B and C
Q7. Which of the following are prohibited or improper campaign practices?
A. Bribing voters
B. Intimidating voters
C. Impersonating voters
D. Peaceful discussion of policies
Answer: A, B and C
Q8. Which statement regarding places of worship during election campaigns is correct?
A. They can freely be used for election propaganda.
B. They may be used only by the ruling party.
C. They should not be used as forums for election propaganda.
D. They can be used only during polling day.
Answer: C
Statement-Type Questions — Multiple Correct Answers
Q9. Consider the following statements regarding election campaigns:
Election campaigns help voters compare political alternatives.
Election campaigns are restricted only to voting day.
Political parties may use public meetings as part of campaigning subject to applicable rules.
The ultimate objective of campaigning is to obtain electoral support.
Which of the above statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2
B. 1, 3 and 4
C. 2 and 3
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
Q10. Consider the following statements about the Model Code of Conduct:
It guides political parties and candidates during elections.
It seeks to maintain a level playing field.
It begins only after polling starts.
It is enforced from the announcement of the election schedule.
Which statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 3 and 4 only
Answer: B
Q11. Regarding election campaign restrictions, consider:
Bribery of voters is prohibited.
Intimidation of voters is prohibited.
Impersonation of voters is prohibited.
Voters can be compelled to vote for a particular candidate.
Which are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3
B. 1 and 4
C. 2 and 4
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Q12. Consider the following statements:
Candidates should avoid appeals to caste or communal feelings for securing votes.
Places of worship should not be used as forums for election propaganda.
Political criticism should preferably focus on policies and public record.
Personal attacks unrelated to public activities are encouraged.
Which statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. All four
Answer: B
Q13. Which of the following statements about the election silence period are correct?
It is associated with a 48-hour period before the close of poll.
Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 is relevant to this restriction.
Its purpose includes protecting voters from immediate campaign influence.
It means that all political discussion everywhere is permanently prohibited.
A. 1, 2 and 3
B. 1 and 4
C. 2 and 4
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A
Q14. Consider the following statements about the ruling party during elections:
It should not misuse official machinery for electioneering.
Government vehicles should not be used for partisan electoral advantage.
Public money should not be used for partisan election publicity.
The ruling party has unlimited freedom to use government resources.
Which statements are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3
B. 1 and 4
C. 2 and 4
D. All four
Answer: A
Q15. Consider the following statements about an election manifesto:
It generally contains a party's proposed policies and programmes.
It can help voters understand the party's proposed agenda.
It is exactly the same thing as an election rally.
ECI guidelines emphasize constitutional consistency and responsible promises.
Which are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
One-Minute Revision — HOME ACADEMY
Remember the sequence:
ELECTION → CAMPAIGN → POLICIES → MANIFESTO → VOTER CHOICE → VOTING
And for restrictions remember:
“NO B-I-C-C + 48”
B = Bribery prohibited
I = Intimidation prohibited
C = Communal/caste appeal prohibited
C = Canvassing near polling station restricted
48 = 48-hour silence period
Final Exam Line
Election campaign is the democratic process of persuading voters, but it must operate within the constitutional, statutory and Election Commission framework so that elections remain free, fair, peaceful and provide a level playing field.
JKSSB Focus: If a question asks “48 hours” → think Section 126, RPA 1951.
If it asks “Model Code starts when?” → announcement of election schedule.
If it asks “Election Commission constitutional basis?” → Article 324.
If it asks “manifesto?” → policies, programmes and promises of a political party.