Sir,

The Election Commission (EC) has launched a new ‘Citizens Vigil’ or cVIGIL app for the benefit of voters ahead of the general elections. The app has been launched with a primary focus to enable the citizens report any instances related to non-compliance of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the elections. The app further acts as an effective feedback mechanism for a voter to reach out directly to the EC.

The efforts made by the EC to monitor the voter feedback effectively through apps is welcome. The move however benefits only a smartphone savvy user, especially in urban and peri-urban areas.

A novice voter has no other way to reach out to EC other than the newly-launched app. The EC should now strive to open ‘all’ the possible digital     and offline mode of communication tools to further strengthen the voter feedback mechanism.

EC should initiate various effective communication tools like a dedicated postal mail box, an (Nodal Officer based) email ID, Tollfree SMS feedback mechanism, social media handles and also a new single window website to register only the feedback (similar to CPGRAMS portal).

The move will further help ensure that a voter has accessibility to all the open channels to communicate to EC. The move will thus enable every individual to participate pro-actively in casting a vote and will further help ensure ECI to conduct  hassle-free elections.

– S.D. Varun, Bengaluru, 12.3.2019

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