What's Wrong with Announcing a Free Vaccine?
The Chief Minister of Kerala was criticised for announcing that everyone in the state will get the Covid-19 vaccine for free. Why?
The Chief Minister (‘CM’) of Kerala announced yesterday that the Covid-19 vaccine will be made available to everyone in the state for free.
He isn’t the only one to make such a commitment. Prior to the Bihar elections, the BJP claimed in its manifesto that the Covid-19 vaccine would be freely distributed in the state. In October, a Union Minister also said that all Indians will receive the vaccine free of cost.
The vaccine is likely to cost between ₹500 – ₹1,000. This may not sound like much but it’s beyond the paying capacity of a large section of India’s population. If the parties stick to these promises, it’ll ensure that even the poorest of citizens are protected from the scourge of this virus.
However, instead of celebrations, the statement made by Kerala’s CM was greeted with criticism. Opposition parties alleged that the CM had violated the Model Code of Conduct (‘MCC’) applicable during elections. Today’s story explains what this means.
Local Body Elections
The background you need to understand this is that local body polls are being held on 14 December 2020 in four districts of northern Kerala. The CM made his announcement just a day before these polls in one of these districts. Subsequently, it was telecast by the media throughout the state.
The United Democratic Front (led by the Congress) and the BJP believe that this contravenes the MCC. These Opposition parties filed several complaints with the State Election Commission (‘SEC’). They’ve alleged that the announcement was purely made to influence voters.
The ruling Left Democratic Front (‘LDF’) has denied these claims. They’ve argued that the CM made this statement while responding to a question about Covid-19 management at a press briefing. It wasn’t with the intention of manipulating voters.
Election Law
Let’s look at what the MCC says.
The purpose of this code is to ensure that political parties and candidates don’t engage in malpractices during elections. The MCC lays down various rules such as –
(a) Parties and candidates cannot engage in any activity that aggravates differences or creates hatred among different castes, communities, and religions.
(b) Corrupt practices like bribing, intimidating, or impersonating voters must be avoided.
(c) Parties must coordinate with election officers and ensure peaceful and orderly polling.
(d) Public places should not be monopolised by the ruling party, and other parties should also be allowed to use them fairly.
The provision that applies here deals with announcements and promises that parties can make during elections. It states that when elections are declared, ministers cannot “announce any financial grants in any form or promises thereof.” This rule ensures that parties don’t unfairly lure voters during elections.
According to the Opposition, the promise of a free vaccine made just a day prior to the elections contravenes the MCC.
What Next?
The LDF has defended itself by arguing that Covid-19 treatment was already being provided for free in Kerala. The fact that the vaccine would also be free is an extension of the current practice. The CM merely raised this point in response to a question asked at a press briefing.
In any case, the LDF had already mentioned this benefit in its election manifesto. So, it wasn’t a new promise made just prior to the elections.
The Opposition has, however, remained steadfast while filing a complaint with the SEC. Whether the commission takes action remains to be seen.
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