Too long have politicians been allowed to have their way. Administrators could be no different given their close link to politics. The courts have taken important decisions from time to time - but time is their problem. Their decisions suffer from "the law's delays." Only citizens are for citizens. Only voting gives full expression to citizen power.

Everything - jammed roads, bad water and sanitation, corruption, rude officials - all city problems at all levels link up with our rights and duties as citizens. So we must use our right to vote and know what elections are about. AGNI is a citizen movement that runs an important ElectionWatch program.

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• Mobilize local strength

  Draw local organizations into a democratic force, the "numbers" that assert citizen rights and needs. Help to strengthen and network residents' associations, NGOs and voluntary institutions like Rotary Clubs and Women's Groups. (What to do)
  
  

• Verify electoral rolls

  Enrol as a volunteer to help check your family and neighbours' names on the electoral rolls. Help ensure that all names that should be on the list are there and those that should not be, are not. Contact an AGNI Coordinator or JAAG to join the campaign. (How to do it)
  
  

• Help draft a "Citizens Charter"

  Help place the problems and needs of your constituency before political parties and candidates - citywide issues and local ones.(What to do)
  
  

• Observe the "AGNI Pariksha"

  The Supreme Court requires all candidates to disclose their police record, if any, their assets and liabilities and their educational qualifications. The "AGNI Pariksha" additionally specifies the need for candidates to have a record of achievement, to be willing to meet constituents regularly, consult them on use of local area development funds etc. (Screen candidates)
  
  

• Dialogue with parties

  Join AGNI or other citizen groups to make clear to political parties that only high calibre candidates will be acceptable. Otherwise, people tend to skip voting ("They are all equally bad candidates!").(What to do)
  
  

• Organise Meet Your Candidates events

  Voters should have an opportunity to meet and dialogue with candidates on the basis of the Charter. (How to do it)
  
  

• Get a good turnout on voting day

  Become a volunteer with citizen groups like AGNI, help overcome public apathy. Get more people to vote, especially those just turned 18.(What to do)
  
  

• Monitor election promises

  Remind elected representatives of their pre-election promises, organize Meet Your MP events, check if fraudulent affidavits have been signed at the time of nomination. Press for regular meetings with citizens and greater dialogue with elected candidates.
  
  

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ElectionWatch is not possible without volunteers. They will be drawn from citizen organizations and networks that you form for the elections. Volunteers should function as teams of two.

Maps of areas and buildings to be covered are important, so are materials (leaflets, pamphlets, and posters). Volunteers need some training. They need to be told what should be conveyed to citizens and how. AGNI Ward Coordinators have experience in these matters.

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These need to be considered under the following heads: advertising, volunteers' incidental costs, banners and other materials, events (shamiana, audio systems, dais, furniture etc).

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