The Election Commission of India (ECI) has received a total of 1,24,424 complaints of violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) from all states and union territories on its cVIGIL app. Of these, 64,020 complaints, which is more than half, were registered from Kerala.
Interestingly, the state also recorded the highest complaint settlement percentage. Of the 64,020 complaints received, 58,617 complaints were found genuine by the Returning Officer and rectified as well. While the success rate of Kerala in settling the complaints stood at 92%, the national average is 78%.
In the data released, Madhya Pradesh, which registered 13,583 complaints, came second, followed by West Bengal, which recorded 8,174 complaints on the app.
Launched by the ECI, the Geographic Information System (GIS)-based cVIGIL app allows citizens to report any violation of the MCC during the elections. Citizens can also upload a photo or video of the violation on the app as proof. The identity of the complainant is kept confidential.
Speaking to TNM, Kerala Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Teeka Ram Meena said, “A majority of complaints pertained to hate speeches, illegal posters, hoardings and banners, distribution of money, liquor and drugs, circulating objectionable content on social media.”
The CEO also added that awareness on the app helped people to register a complaint on such violations. “We put up posters and banners across the state, explaining the procedure on how to file a complaint. This drew a lot of people to the app. Besides, flying squads were also deployed in every nook and corner of the state,” he said.
According to the ECI, as soon as a citizen reports an incident of misconduct, it is forwarded to a Flying Squad on the ground for investigation. The Flying Squads will investigate the matter, while the Returning Officer will take a decision.
Once the complaint is registered, a unique ID number is generated, which allows the citizen to track his/her complaint. The status of the complaint will be shared within 100 minutes.
The app has 16 categories to file a complaint: Intimidation; making religious or communal speeches; distribution of money, coupons and liquor; erecting posters or banners without permission; campaigning within 200 meters of the polling booth and during the silent period; among others.