Election Commission’s digital tool ensures speedy resolution and transparency

In a remarkable demonstration of civic engagement and technological innovation, the cVIGIL app launched by the Election Commission of India (ECI) has emerged as a vital instrument for voters, facilitating the reporting of election code violations. Since its inception, the app has garnered widespread acclaim, with over 79,000 complaints filed to date.

A staggering 99% of these cases have been swiftly resolved, underlining the app’s efficacy in addressing concerns raised by citizens.

Notably, close to 89% of reported violations have been addressed within a remarkable 100-minute timeframe, underscoring the commitment to expeditious action and transparency.

Among the myriad infractions flagged by vigilant citizens, illegal hoardings and banners account for the majority of complaints, constituting approximately 73% of the total.

Additionally, instances of monetary inducements, distribution of gifts and liquor, and defacement of property have been reported, highlighting the diverse range of violations tackled through the app.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, during a press conference announcing the General Elections 2024, had emphasized the importance of citizen vigilance and encouraged the use of the C-Vigil app to report any breaches of the model code of conduct or attempts to influence voters through inducements.

The user-friendly interface of the C-Vigil app facilitates seamless communication between vigilant citizens and electoral authorities, enabling real-time reporting of electoral malpractices. Upon submission of a complaint, users receive a unique ID to track the status of their report, ensuring transparency and accountability in the resolution process.

A trinity of factors working simultaneously makes cVIGIL a success. Users capture audios, photos or videos in real-time, and a “100-minute” countdown for time-bound response to complaints is ensured. The app automatically enables a geo-tagging feature as soon as the user switches on their camera in the cVIGIL to report a violation. This means that flying squads could know the precise location of a reported violation, and the image captured by citizens could be used as evidence in the court of law. Citizens can also report complaints anonymously.