Independent election observers in Colombia have launched a mobile app designed to allow citizens to report any indications of fraud or intimidation they might witness on their way to vote in Sunday’s congressional elections.
Colombia’s Electoral Observation Mission (MOE) says “Pilas con el voto” will allow users to send audio and video clips as well as written messages reporting any irregular activity during the voting period, which last from 8AM to 4PM local time.
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The idea, according to a MOE press release, is to provide citizens who may feel otherwise intimidated to make a denunciation in person with a certain level of anonymity to do so via their mobile devices.
The app will be connected to social networks, such as twitter (#pilasconelvoto), as well as its own website (www.pilasconelvoto.com) and will automatically send reports to the appropriate authorities.
With the MOE anticipating issues ranging from bribery to intimidation, observers hope the app will help produce a heightened level of transparency and more accurate data regarding the true extent of practices that seek to undermine Colombia’s democratic process.
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Anyone interested can download the app for free, to an Android or Blackberry device, from Google Play.
Sources
- Press Release (MOE)
