People can now register any complaint they have on election malpractices using smart phones. On Monday, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) re-launched an android application known as 'Election Watch Reporter (EWR)' that uses pictures, GPS location, time stamps and descriptions to register complaints against erring candidates. Members of Praja, ADR and Agi (all NGOs) were present on the occasion.
Complaints on...
Media & advertising; posters & hoarding; distribution of liquor or drugs; disbursal of cash, gifts or coupons; election rally; misuse of official vehicles; non-deposit of firearms, etc.
What's the aim of EWR?
"Through this application we seek to increase people participation in ensuring free and fair elections and to expose election malpractices," said Ajit Ranade of ADR at the relaunch of the application.
NGO Agni want candidates to...
Sincerely implement the Maharashtra Rights to Services Act (under which no file should stay pending in an office for more than seven days);
To pass pending police reforms;
To amend Lok Ayukta Act;
To scrap Nagar Raj Bill and enact the Draft Bill as recommended by Centre.
MLA should meet people post elections and prior to assembly sessions in order to represent the problems and interests of their constituents better;
Discretionary spending of tax payers' money. People should also know where and why money is being spend.
What do NGOs want political parties to do?
They have requested political parties, through a mail, to put up clean candidates in the coming state assembly elections.
Other plans...
In the coming days they also plan to hold awareness programmes for citizens to inform them about the performance of their candidates. They also plan to address college students and impress upon them the importance of having full information about candidates and why candidates with clean record should be elected. These NGOs are also working on organizing 'Meet your candidate' sessions.
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