Spotted code of conduct being violated? Tell EC on Citizen on Portal (COP) app

See candidates distributing freebies and cash, promoting themselves through paid news or violating the poll code in any other way? There’s now an app you can use to report it.

 

For the first time, the State Election Commission (SEC) has created a mobile application, Citizen on Portal (COP), to help citizens report violations of the election code of conduct during their campaigns. The poll code ensures candidates do not sway voters with money, liquor and benefits, but often, citizens don’t report violations to avoid trouble. Officials said the SEC introduced the app,on which complaints will be anonymous, in an attempt to maximise voter participation.

 

Citizens’ groups welcomed the move. “It is a fantastic move to involve citizens in governance issues. The SEC should make sure these complaints are acted upon swiftly, or the purpose of using technology will be lost,” said Milind Mhaske, project coordinator at NGO Praja.