Why is it necessary to regulate election campaign in a democracy? Describe various rules and regulations regarding election campaign in India.

(a) Generally in a democracy it is best to leave political parties and candidates free to conduct their election campaigns the way they want to. However at the same time it is necessary to regulate election campaign to ensure that every political party and candidate gets a fair and equal chance to compete in the elections.
(b) (i) According to our election law, no party or candidate can do the followings:
I. Bribe or threaten voters;
II. Appeal to them in the name of caste or religion;
III Use government resources for election campaign; and
IV. Spend more than ₹ 25 lakh in a constituency for a Lok Sabha election or ₹10 lakh in a constituency in an Assembly election. In case any candidate violates the above rules, his election can be rejected by the court.
(ii) In addition to above law, the political parties have also agreed to a Model Code of
Conduct for election campaigns. According to this, no party or candidate can:
I Use any place of worship for election propaganda;
II Use government vehicles, aircrafts and officials for elections; and
III Once elections are announced, Ministers shall not lay foundation stones of any projects, take any big policy decisions or make any promises of providing public facilities.