India is currently undergoing the world’s largest election, involving nearly 970 million voters among its 1.4 billion people. The election pits Prime Minister Narendra Modi, known for his Hindu nationalist views, against a broad alliance of opposition parties. Modi first came to power in 2014 on promises of economic development and anti-corruption measures, but his rule has also witnessed rising unemployment, attacks against minorities, and restrictions on dissent and free media.
The election process in India involves 6 weeks of voting, with the final day of voting occurring on a Saturday. The counting of votes will begin on Tuesday and results are expected to be known the same day. Voters choose 543 members for the lower house of Parliament for a five-year term, with candidates crisscrossing the country, poll workers traveling to remote areas, and voters waiting in long lines to cast their votes.
The main contenders in the election are Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party and Rahul Gandhi of the Indian National Congress, along with several regional parties forming part of the opposition bloc. Opposition parties have united under the banner of INDIA to challenge Modi’s dominance, but internal differences and candidate selection issues have been prevalent. Exit polls predict another victory for Modi, who has been using polarizing rhetoric targeting the Muslim minority.
The election is seen as a test for India’s democratic values, which have faced challenges under Modi’s rule. Critics accuse him of prioritizing Hindu interests over secularism and undermining democratic institutions. India’s economy, one of the fastest-growing globally, has struggled to create enough jobs for its young population, leading to the reliance on welfare programs to attract voters. The results of the election will not only determine the country’s future leadership but also its direction on key issues such as democracy, secularism, and economic growth.
