Bihar Elections 2025: Citizens Urged to Report Poll Violations via cVIGIL App

As the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections 2025 and the bye-elections for eight constituencies get underway, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has urged citizens to actively report election violations through the cVIGIL app, strengthening transparency and accountability.

The Bihar elections will be held in two phases: November 6 for 121 constituencies and November 11 for 122 constituencies. The results will be declared on November 14, 2025. The bye-elections for eight assembly constituencies in various states and union territories are being conducted simultaneously.

How citizens can help

Launched in July 2018, the cVIGIL app allows citizens and political parties to report Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violations in real time, including distribution of cash, liquor, or gifts, unauthorized rallies, and inflammatory speeches. Complaints can include photos or videos, with automatic location and timestamp, ensuring accurate evidence for action.

Once a complaint is submitted, 824 flying squads across Bihar work to resolve issues within 100 minutes. Additionally, the ECI has set up a 24x7 toll-free call centre in 1950, where citizens or political parties can report election violations directly to the District Election Officer or Returning Officer concerned. This ensures that even those who cannot use the app have a direct way to lodge complaints.

As of 21 October 2025, 650 complaints have been lodged through the app, with 649 resolved and 94% addressed within the target 100 minutes. Enforcement agencies have seized over ₹71.32 crore worth of cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and other freebies. In some instances, citizen reports have also led to arrests, demonstrating the tangible impact of public vigilance on maintaining electoral integrity.

However while the app and helpline are powerful tools, not all citizens report violations. Many voters, especially illiterate or unaware individuals, may accept cash, liquor, or gifts and choose not to report, viewing immediate personal benefit as more tangible than long-term electoral fairness. Fear of retaliation, lack of awareness, or doubts about whether action will follow further reduce participation. In some cases, complaints, even with clear evidence, did not lead to immediate action.

Despite these challenges, citizen reporting remains critical. Even a few reports create pressure on authorities, provide concrete evidence, and gradually discourage candidates from attempting malpractice. The app and helpline help turn vigilance into collective action, reinforcing the integrity of the electoral process.

This announcement comes at a crucial time: with elections underway in November, the ECI wants to remind voters that they can actively safeguard democracy. By reporting violations through cVIGIL or calling 1950, citizens play a direct role in ensuring elections are free, fair, and transparent.

The cVIGIL app and 1950 helpline empower citizens to become active participants in democracy. While challenges remain, informed and courageous reporting can strengthen electoral integrity, making the 2025 Bihar elections a model for transparency and accountability.