EC app a good move

The Election Commission 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 Election Commission.

The efforts made by 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. 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, Toll free 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 proactively in casting a vote and will further help ensure ECI to conduct hassle-free elections.

-Varun S D, Bengaluru