Try GOLD - Free
How India votes
The Straits Times
|April 17, 2024
Nearly a billion people will cast their votes for a new Parliament between April 19 and June I in what will be the nation's largest-ever election, spanning seven phases.
India, the world's most populous country, is going to the polls in a marathon seven-phase election taking place between April 19 and June 1.
With nearly 969 million registered voters, this will be the largest-ever election in India's history, surpassing the 2019 General Election, in which 67.4 per cent of 910 million registered voters turned out to vote.
The elections are spread out over 44 days to facilitate the deployment of security forces, who must prevent polling-related violence or rigging. The results will be out on June 4.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Voting will take place for 543 elected seats in the Lower House of Parliament, the Lok Sabha.
In India's parliamentary system, voters in each constituency will choose from a list of multiple candidates representing different national and regional parties.
There are many independents who also contest without any party affiliation.
The candidate securing the most number of votes is declared the winner.
Members of the Lower House are elected for a five-year term. Any party or coalition securing a simple majority of 272 seats or more can stake a claim to form the government.
The prime minister is then selected by the party or coalition that emerges victorious.
In 2019, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 303 seats, paving the way for a second consecutive term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
WHO CAN VOTE IN ELECTIONS FOR THE LOK SABHA?
Any Indian citizen above the age of 18 and registered in the country's electoral records with a valid voter card can vote in the election.
The government also allows postal ballots for those working in essential services such as healthcare workers, journalists covering the elections, and bureaucrats who are on polling duty.
In 2024, for the first time, the postal ballot facility has been extended to those aged 85 and above.
This story is from the April 17, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Students lead effort to save birds from crashing into iconic NTU building
Birds would fly straight into the glass facade thinking the windows are part of landscape
4 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
'What we promise, we deliver': Sunway founder on building a legacy of trust
Tycoon seeks to make conglomerate a major gateway from S'pore to Malaysia
4 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Why renewables are difficult to talk about at UN climate summits
When the 2035 climate targets of countries are scrutinised at the upcoming United Nations climate change conference COP30 in Brazil, the spotlight will be on whether the nations have done enough to meet a collective goal to ramp up clean energy adoption.
4 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Benz Hui's family to donate all condolence money to charity
All the condolence money for veteran Hong Kong actor Benz Hui will be donated to the Children’s Cancer Foundation, his family said in an obituary released on Oct 31.
1 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Dear Evan Hansen still moves with its message of feeling included
The title's second outing in Singapore features a larger cast and set, and has maintained the relatability and heart of the story
2 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
From Vanuatu to Yishun: The plant giving S’pore fall colours all year
As the weather cools in the Northern Hemisphere, fall foliage is sure to draw the eye. But even in tropical Singapore, the colours of autumn can be enjoyed year round - in Gardens by the Bay and along the country’s streetscapes, from Yishun to Bukit Panjang.
5 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Nearly half of Cat A COEs go to EVs in first 9 months of 2025
EVs make up 43% of new car registrations, up from 33.8% in 2024 and 18.2% in 2023
2 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Youth who faced family tragedy among 12 inaugural President's Challenge fellows
Growing up in a troubled family, Ms Shirlene Ng was 13 when she witnessed her mother take her own life. Her mental health took a hit.
3 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
An uneven muddle of themes and genres
A deeper dive into the intergenerational female trauma of Congratulations, Get Rich! would make for a — pun intended — richer story
2 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Backyard cafes in JB village give owners hope of lease extension
Locals bank on increased economic activity boosting their case, preserving area’s heritage
5 mins
November 03, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size