The Election Commission of India (ECI), on Sunday, announced that the model code of conduct (MCC) has ceased to be in operation with immediate effect after the announcement of results of the Lok Sabha elections and Legislative assemblies in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim

The ECI also tweeted a message where it expressed its gratitude to the voters, polling officials, security personnel, service voters, contesting candidates and all others who participated in the Lok Sabha Elections 2019.

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“Our heartfelt gratitude to the Voters, Polling Officials, Security Personnel, Service Voters, Contesting Candidates and all others who participated in #LokSabhaElections2019 and made #DeshKaMahaTyohar a memorable and successful event for our robust democracy,” tweeted ECI.

Our heartfelt gratitude to the Voters, Polling Officials, Security Personnel, Service Voters, Contesting Candidates and all others who participated in #LokSabhaElections2019 and made #DeshKaMahaTyohar a memorable and successful event for our robust democracy. pic.twitter.com/xrsaceNplp

— Election Commission #DeshKaMahatyohar (@ECISVEEP) May 26, 2019

The model code of conduct came into force on March 10 when the Election Commission (EC) had announced the dates for the general elections for the 17^th Lok Sabha.

The MCC had laid down a series of guidelines for the political parties and leaders on what they can and cannot do during the course of the Lok Sabha elections 2019.

This meant that no political party or leader can announce any scheme or policy till the end of the Lok Sabha elections 2019. They cannot criticise each other on the basis of caste or use communal sentiments to lure voters. Similarly, freebies to the public were not allowed.

The Income Tax Department had also kept a strict vigil over the movement of cash at airports following the implementation of the MCC.

As per the security measures for airports, operators of all private aircraft and helicopters had to declare the contents of the baggage and suitcases carried on the flights to the I-T Department, the chief electoral officers of the states, district election officers and the state police.

The Chief Election Commissioner, Sunil Arora, accompanied by Election Commissioners Ashok Lavasa and Sushil Chandra had called on President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday.

The Commission presented President Kovind the copy of Notification under Section 73 of the Representation of People’s Act, 1951, containing the names of the members elected to the House of the People following the General Elections to the 17th Lok Sabha.