The cVIGIL app, developed by the Election Commission of India, has emerged as a potent tool for citizens to highlight violations of the election code. Since the commencement of the General Elections 2024, the app has received over 79,000 complaints to date. Remarkably, more than 99% of these complaints have been addressed, with nearly 89% resolved within 100 minutes, underscoring the app’s commitment to swift action and transparency.
The majority of complaints, constituting over 58,500 (or 73% of the total), are related to illegal hoardings and banners, while approximately 1,400 pertain to the distribution of money, gifts, and liquor. A fraction of complaints, around 3% (2,454), concerns the defacement of property. Notably, out of 535 complaints regarding the display of firearms and intimidation, 529 have already been resolved. Additionally, there were 1,000 reported cases of campaigning extending beyond the stipulated period, including the unauthorized use of speakers.
The cVIGIL app represents a significant advancement in electoral oversight and streamlining campaign regulations. During the press conference announcing the General Elections 2024, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had urged citizens to remain vigilant and utilize the app to report any violations of the model code of conduct and attempts at voter inducement.
Functioning as a user-friendly interface, cVIGIL seamlessly connects vigilant citizens with District Control Rooms, Returning Officers, and Flying Squads. This facilitates prompt reporting of political misconduct without the need to physically visit the returning officer’s office. Upon submission of a complaint via the cVIGIL app, the complainant receives a unique ID to track the progress of their report directly on their mobile device.
The success of cVIGIL is attributed to a trifecta of factors operating concurrently: real-time capture of audio, photos, or videos by users, a time-bound response mechanism ensuring action within 100 minutes, and automatic geo-tagging when the camera is activated within the app. This enables flying squads to pinpoint the exact location of reported violations, while the evidence captured by citizens can be utilized in legal proceedings. Moreover, citizens have the option to report complaints anonymously.
