India is gearing up for general elections next year, and in the lead-up, five states – Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, and Mizoram – are going to the polls for their respective assemblies in just a month's time. The Election Commission of India is making extensive efforts to create awareness among the public about the significance of voting and their right to vote. They are also emphasizing the importance of voting without being swayed or influenced by external or internal factors.

In the midst of these preparations, the Election Commission has introduced the cVIGIL app. This innovative app empowers citizens by giving them the same authority as an Election Observer, allowing them to report complaints related to the violation of the Model Code of Conduct for the General Elections. Through this app, citizens can actively support the Election Commission in conducting free, fair, and transparent elections.

Here's how the cVIGIL app works:

Reporting Violations: Citizens can download the cVIGIL app from the Google Play Store (for Android) and the App Store (for iPhone). They can use the app to capture photographs or record two-minute videos, which are then uploaded to the app. These uploads include automatic GPS location data.

Prompt Response: Within 20 minutes of registering a complaint, the concerned team will reach the location, and efforts will be made to resolve the issue within 100 minutes.

The primary aim of this app is to prevent the violation of the Model Code of Conduct and restrain individuals from excessive election-related expenses, ensuring that everyone operates within the bounds of the law. Since the number of officers and employees on election duty is limited, public participation is crucial in gathering more information.

Notably, the app respects the privacy of complainants. If an individual does not wish to disclose their identity, they can still register a complaint anonymously. However, if they choose to reveal their identity or contact information, they will receive updates about the actions taken on their complaint until it is resolved.

The cVIGIL app enables citizens to provide real-time reports of violations of the Model Code of Conduct. It does not allow the uploading of old photos or videos; only live photos or videos can be uploaded. Complaints that can be reported via this application include but are not limited to:

Distribution of money, gifts, or coupons
Liquor distribution
Unauthorized posters or banners
Display of firearms
Threats
Unauthorized convoy or vehicle entry
Paid news
Assisting voters in reaching polling booths on voting day
Campaigning within 100 meters of a polling booth on voting day
Campaigning within 48 hours of polling day
Religious or communal speeches
Violation of loudspeaker usage regulations
Unauthorized pasting of posters
For citizens without smartphones, there's an alternative option to register complaints via the Voter Helpline Toll-Free Number 1950 and the National Grievance Service Portal.

This app is a significant step towards ensuring fair and transparent elections. It not only streamlines the reporting process but also provides valuable evidence that can be used in legal proceedings if cases go to court. It also helps in preventing false reports of Model Code of Conduct violations, ensuring that complaints are closely monitored and resolved in a timely manner. In summary, the cVIGIL app is a powerful tool that empowers citizens to actively participate in upholding the integrity of the electoral process.