Election Commission Launches cVIGIL App to Combat Poll Code Violations

The Election Commission of India has introduced a new mobile application called cVIGIL, empowering citizens to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct during elections. The app, which stands for "citizens' vigil," allows users to upload photos or videos of any suspected violations directly to the Election Commission for swift action.

According to Election Commission officials, the cVIGIL app aims to promote greater transparency and public participation in the electoral process. By providing a convenient platform for reporting code of conduct breaches, the Commission hopes to curb malpractices such as voter intimidation, bribery, and the misuse of government resources for campaigning purposes.

Once a complaint is submitted through the app, it is forwarded to the relevant district election officer for verification and necessary action within 100 minutes. The app also allows users to track the status of their complaints, ensuring accountability and timely resolution of issues.

Why this matters: The introduction of the cVIGIL app marks a significant step towards leveraging technology to safeguard the integrity of elections in India. By empowering citizens to actively report violations, the Election Commission aims to create a more equitable environment for candidates and political parties, ultimately reinforcing the democratic process.

Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora emphasized the importance of public vigilance in maintaining free and fair elections. "The cVIGIL app is a powerful tool in the hands of citizens to report any attempts to undermine the electoral process," Arora said. "We urge all voters to download the app and play an active role in ensuring the sanctity of our democracy."

The launch of the cVIGIL app comes ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections in several parts of the country. The Election Commission has been conducting extensive awareness campaigns to educate voters about the app's features and encourage its widespread adoption. With the cVIGIL app, the Commission aims to enhance its efforts in preventing and quickly addressing any violations of the Model Code of Conduct, thereby ensuring a more open and trustworthy electoral process.

Key Takeaways

• EC launches cVIGIL app to empower citizens to report election code violations.
• cVIGIL aims to promote transparency and curb malpractices like voter intimidation.
• Complaints are forwarded to officials for swift action within 100 minutes.
• cVIGIL is a tool to safeguard election integrity and reinforce democracy.
• App launched ahead of state elections, part of EC's efforts to ensure fair polls.