Why limit model code of conduct just to the run-up of elections?

Given the general behaviour of many of our elected representatives, the thought does arise about why many aspects of the model code of conduct are only enforced after election dates are declared.

As much of public life is becoming increasingly obstreperous, taking a cue from the Election Commission’s (EC) code, it may be time to lay down guidelines on politicians’ behaviour — without impinging on their free speech and civil rights, of course.

Indeed, apart from the rules specific to campaigns such as announcement of new programmes, posters, meetings, loudspeakers, booth management, counting agents and the like, much of the document seems perfect for redesignation as standard operating procedure for the political class, permanently.

After all, when reason and restraint and respect for sentiment and communal harmony figure in the EC-enforced deportment of the political class during poll time, it almost implies that the rest of the time doing quite the opposite is par for the course.

Moreover, considering the code has provisos such as “criticism of other parties or their workers based on unverified allegations or distortion shall be avoided”, can people be blamed for believing that politicians are wont to do precisely the contrary unless constrained by law and under pain of disqualification?