New Delhi: The cVIGIL app of the Election Commission of India (ECI) has emerged as a powerful tool for citizens to flag election code violations during the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Since the announcement of the General Elections 2024, the app has received over 4.24 lakh complaints as of May 15, 2024. Impressively, 4,23,908 of these complaints have been resolved, with only 409 cases still under process. The ECI has upheld its promise of resolving nearly 89% of complaints within a 100-minute timeline.
Citizens have used the app to address a variety of electoral malpractices, including the use of loudspeakers beyond prescribed times or noise levels, campaigning during prohibited periods, unauthorized placement of banners or posters, deployment of vehicles beyond permitted limits, property defacement, display of firearms, intimidation, and inducements.
cVIGIL is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, connecting vigilant citizens with the District Control Room, Returning Officer, and Flying Squad Teams. Through the app, citizens can quickly report incidents of political misconduct without needing to visit the returning officer’s office. Upon submitting a complaint, users receive a unique ID that allows them to track the status of their complaint via their mobile devices.
The success of cVIGIL can be attributed to a combination of real-time reporting, rapid response, and geo-tagging capabilities. Users can capture audio, photos, or videos of violations, and the app’s geo-tagging feature ensures that flying squads can pinpoint the exact location of the reported incident. This geo-tagged evidence can also be used in legal proceedings. Furthermore, the app allows for anonymous reporting and incorporates safeguards to prevent misuse, such as geographical restrictions, time constraints on reporting, and mechanisms to filter out duplicate or frivolous complaints.
cVIGIL is part of a suite of technological tools developed by the ECI to enhance the electoral process and empower both voters and political parties. The app’s effectiveness in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls highlights the potential of technology to uphold electoral integrity and ensure free and fair elections.