On July 3, 2018, the Election Commission of India, introduced a mobile application “cVIGIL” aimed at enabling citizens to report instances of model code of conduct violations during elections. Model Code of Conduct (MCC) comes into effect from the date of announcement of elections and goes on till a day after the polls
The app, which stands for ‘citizens’ vigil’, has notably impacted the system of Indian elections. cVigil has allowed citizens to report violations of MCC and any other election-related malpractices during the electoral process.
You Can download the app from playstore link and work anonymously towards fair elections.
“cVIGIL” is a user-friendly and easy to operate android and iOS application, that offers time-stamped evidential proof of model code of conduct and electoral malpractices, by empowering each citizen to capture photos or videos using their smartphones, the application leverages GIS technology, the distinctive auto-location feature that offers reasonable accurate information. This information can be trusted by flying squads to quickly pinpoint the incident location and take swift action.
Working of cVigil:
The app connects proactive citizens with the District Control Room, Returning Officer, and Flying Squads
Any vigilant person can capture a picture or record a video lasting up to two minutes, documenting any model code violations. The person should then upload this media through the app. The app will automatically map the location using Geographic Information System technology. Once successfully submitted through the app, the person will receive a Unique ID to monitor and receive subsequent updates on their mobile device. This process allows the citizen to report multiple incidents, with a unique ID provided for each report to ensure follow-up updates. It’s important to note that the identity of the complainant will remain confidential.
The hallmark of the app is the ‘time-bound feature’ that has ensured swift and precise resolutions, the commission has allocated a specific time duration for each step in the process, and it has set a time limit like the District Contact Centre has 5 minutes to assign the case, the Field unit has 45 minutes to take action, and the returning officer has 50 minutes to address the issue. This time-bound characteristic greatly enhances the application’s efficiency. It creates a sense of urgency for the field unit, ensuring that flying squads arrive at the scene promptly. Given that many cases are of a momentary nature, this rapid response accelerates the validation of incidents.
Success or Failure?
Over time, the use of C-Vigil has led to a reduction in violations of the Model Code of Conduct and other electoral irregularities, contributing to fairer elections, where it has acted as a deterrent against potential election malpractices and now wrongdoers are aware that their actions can be quickly reported and acted upon which has significantly increased the transparency of the electoral process by empowering citizens to report any irregularities they witness.
Election Commission (EC) had hoped that citizens would use it to file complaints related to the display of posters and banners, hate/provocative speeches, distribution of cash, liquor, and freebies, using loudspeakers after 10 pm and the like, by geo-tagging the location, guarantying citizens a response time of 100 minutes. When the cVIGIL app was put to test during the Assembly elections of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Mizoram, where around 68% of the total complaint cases were registered from the app.
However, the app’s anonymity feature is a double-edged sword that has given rise to fake complaints. It was seen that in the past Assembly elections and Lok Sabha elections, from when it was first introduced, the misuse of the app has also been reported and some political parties have also used the app to target the opposition. Although to check such misuse the app does not allow pre-recorded videos or old images to be uploaded and also once the image is clicked or the video is recorded, the app will provide a window of only 5 minutes for the user to report the incident, but still miscreants have found ways at times to bypass the vigil, though EC has taken the feedback continuously to improve the system of checks.
A right step in the right direction
To sum up comprehensively, if we see the cVigil system, it has had a positive impact on Indian elections by promoting transparency, accountability, and prompt action against election-related violations. It has played a crucial role in ensuring fair and credible elections in the country and has increased the voter’s confidence. The real-time monitoring has improved the overall efficiency of election management leading to a reduction in violations of the Model Code of Conduct and other electoral irregularities, contributing to fairer elections.
