India has declared that its general elections will commence on April 19, spanning over a period of six weeks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party are anticipated to secure a victory, as per most surveys. The voting process in the world's largest democracy will be conducted in seven phases, with different states participating at different times. The final results are scheduled to be announced on June 4. A staggering 970 million voters, which accounts for over 10% of the global population, will elect 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for a term of five years.
Modi, vying for a third consecutive term, faces minimal opposition as the main alliance of over two dozen regional parties led by the Indian National Congress party is experiencing internal discord. The elections are expected to solidify Modi's position as one of India's most influential leaders, known for his efforts to transition the nation towards a Hindu-centric ideology.
Each phase of the election will span a single day, with multiple constituencies spread across various states, cities, and villages participating simultaneously. This staggered approach enables the government to deploy a substantial number of troops to maintain peace and facilitate the movement of electoral officials and voting equipment.
India operates on a first-past-the-post multiparty electoral system, where the candidate with the highest number of votes emerges victorious. In the lead-up to the polls, Modi has been actively engaging with voters, inaugurating new projects, and delivering speeches across the country. His popularity surged following the inauguration of a Hindu temple in Ayodhya earlier this year, perceived as the unofficial commencement of his election campaign.
Modi, aged 73, initially assumed office in 2014 on promises of economic progress and anti-establishment rhetoric. Over the years, he has garnered significant support by intertwining religion with politics, resonating with the Hindu-majority populace despite concerns about the erosion of India's secular foundations.
The upcoming elections coincide with India's heightened global prominence under Modi's leadership, attributed to its robust economy and role as a counterbalance to China's influence. Critics, however, highlight issues such as escalating unemployment, attacks on minority groups by Hindu extremists, and a shrinking space for dissent and independent media under Modi's tenure.
A victory for Modi's BJP in the upcoming elections would follow their resounding success in the 2019 polls, where they secured a substantial parliamentary majority against the Congress party.
