SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions | SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Institutions: Election Commission of India (ECI) | Ministry of Law and Justice
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a multi-pronged strategy to ensure transparency and curb malpractices for the General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Bihar (scheduled in two phases: November 6 and 11, with counting on November 14). With the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) immediately in effect, the ECI has taken the following actions:
Combating Money Power: Issued strict directions to over a dozen Enforcement Agencies (including IT, ED, DRI, and Excise) to curb the use of cash, liquor, drugs, and freebies. This led to a seizure of βΉ33.97 crore since the October 6 announcement. The Election Seizure Management System (ESMS) has been activated for real-time reporting of interceptions.
Digital Transparency: Completed the First Randomisation of EVM-VVPATs for all 243 constituencies using the EVM Management System (EMS), with lists shared with political parties.
Media Integrity: Mandated all political advertisements on electronic and social media to be pre-certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC), while cautioning parties to prominently label any AI-generated/synthetic content.
Inclusivity: Extended the optional postal ballot facility to Elderly Voters (85+), Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and those employed in essential services.
The ECIβs use of digital and technical enforcement mechanisms (ESMS, MCMC, C-Vigil) highlights a continued institutional commitment to using technology to combat evolving electoral malpractices like illicit inducement and the proliferation of deepfakes, setting new governance standards for election integrity in a digital age.
What is the C-Vigil App? β The C-Vigil App is a fast-track IT application developed by the ECI that empowers citizens to digitally report real-time violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and expenditure norms. Once a citizen uploads a photo or video of an alleged violation (e.g., illegal campaigning or distribution of liquor), the ECI deploys Flying Squads who are tasked to investigate and resolve the complaint, typically within 100 minutes.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: Beyond seizure monitoring, what policy mechanisms are needed to track the disposal and forfeiture of assets seized under the ESMS to ensure complete disruption of illicit funding networks?
Follow the full news here:
Money Power Directions (Oct 15, 2025): https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2179201
Schedule Announcement (Oct 6, 2025): https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2175533
MCC Implementation (Oct 8, 2025): https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2176143
Media Pre-Certification (Oct 14, 2025): https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2178736
EVM Randomisation Phase I (Oct 13, 2025): https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2178441
EVM Randomisation Phase II (Oct 14, 2025): https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2178878
Postal Ballot/Inclusivity (Oct 8, 2025): https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2176283