The model Code of Conduct, which came into force on March 10 when the LokSabha election was announced, ceased to be in existence, the Election Commission said on Sunday.
In an instruction to the cabinet secretary and chief secretariesof state governments, the commission said the model code had been lifted withimmediate effect.
The code bars the party in power from using officialmachinery to further its political interests. The poll panel uses the modelcode to pull up politicians who are either found guilty of threatening votersor using religion and bribe to seek votes.
The election watchdog used its constitutional powers to bansome politicians from campaigning for a few days. It cited the disruption oflevel-playing field to ban biopics on politicians, including one on PrimeMinister NarendraModi, till the election process was over.The seven-phase electoral exercise began onApril 11 and ended on May 19.