Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 5, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Delhi R Alice Vaz highlighted the significant number of complaints filed over violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
In the 25 days leading up to the elections, more than 6,000 complaints were lodged regarding these violations, emphasising the importance of fair campaigning during the election period.
Vaz spoke to the media on Sunday, stressing that the Election Commission is committed to ensuring a level playing field for all political parties involved in the elections.
To maintain fairness, the CEO emphasised that permission for campaign meetings is granted without interference, provided they are applied for through the online platform. This online system is a key element in streamlining the process and reducing unnecessary delays.
In her remarks, the CEO also touched on the role of the cVIGIL application, a technological platform designed to handle complaints from citizens regarding MCC violations. Vaz explained that if any violation is reported via the app, it must be addressed within 100 minutes.
The average response time, she noted, stands at 36 minutes, underscoring the Election Commission’s commitment to promptly addressing electoral concerns.
“When the MCC came into force, we immediately met with all political parties at both the CEO and DEO levels. Any political party wanting to hold campaign meetings must apply online, and we ensure that these permissions are given without interference,” Vaz explained.
She added that the cVIGIL application allows citizens to file complaints by submitting photos or videos of any violations, making it easier for the Election Commission to act swiftly.
The CEO also made it clear that failing to close complaints regarding violations would itself be a violation of the electoral rules. She stressed that the Election Commission is required to address all such complaints within a set time frame, further solidifying the system’s integrity.
“Not addressing these complaints within the required time frame is a violation. Our average response time to such complaints is 36 minutes, which is well within the prescribed 100-minute window,” she added.
This explanation comes in light of recent allegations made by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who claimed that raids had been conducted at his residence in Delhi, Kapurthala House, while no action had been taken against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Parvesh Verma, who Mann alleged was distributing cash openly.
In a public rally on January 30, Mann questioned the fairness of the election process, pointing out the lack of action against Verma despite public claims of cash distribution.
Meanwhile, Vaz informed the media about other initiatives being carried out by the Election Commission to enhance voter participation. She noted that 7,552 people had opted for home voting, a facility that allows those unable to visit polling stations to cast their votes.
Vaz said that around 96% of those who signed up for home voting made use of the service, furthering efforts to make voting more accessible and inclusive.
In addition, the CEO mentioned the Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities conducted over the past month. These initiatives aim to increase voter awareness and encourage more people to participate in the electoral process.
Vaz highlighted that the Election Commission is committed to boosting voter turnout, making sure that all eligible citizens have the opportunity to cast their votes.
As the election day approaches, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth and fair voting experience.
With the Delhi Assembly elections just days away, the Election Commission’s efforts to enforce the MCC, along with their technological solutions like cVIGIL and home voting, are expected to play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the election process.
The elections will take place in a single phase on February 5, with the vote counting scheduled for February 8.
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