India has embarked on what is being hailed as the world’s biggest election, with a staggering 968 million registered voters set to cast their ballots over a period of 47 days.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Hindu nationalist party is anticipated to secure a clear victory in this monumental democratic exercise.
The election, spanning over six weeks, is taking place across India’s 28 states and eight union territories, allowing every eligible voter to exercise their democratic right.
It is documented as the largest democratic exercise ever undertaken, requiring meticulous logistical planning.
Voting is conducted in a single day in smaller states and territories, while larger states witness voting spread over multiple days.
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The electoral process commenced with the first phase of voting on Friday, deciding 102 of the 543 constituencies of India’s lower house of Parliament, the Lok Sabha.
India’s electorate is vast and diverse, with approximately 968 million voters, making it six times larger than the voting population of the upcoming United States election.
The voter demographic is balanced in terms of gender, with a steady increase in female voters over the years. Significant participation from India’s youth is also observed, with millions of first-time voters contributing to the electoral process.
To facilitate this massive undertaking, India has deployed 1.5 million polling booths and five million electronic voting machines across the country.
The expenditure on elections is substantial, with over $8 billion reportedly spent in 2019.
The election holds significant importance for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), seeking a third consecutive term in power.
Modi’s leadership has brought about remarkable transformations in India’s economy, positioning the country as one of the top five economies globally.
Key figures shaping India’s political landscape include Rahul Gandhi of the Congress party, Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party, and Amit Shah, India’s home minister.
With the electoral process continuing over the coming weeks and results expected on June 4, the significance of this historic event resonates both within India and globally.
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