Why India's next election will last 44 days

INDIA'S ELECTIONS ARE THE LARGEST democratic exercise in the world, with nearly 970 million registered voters expected to cast ballots, including 18 million new voters.

- ASTHA RAJVANSHI

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that this year's poll will take place in seven phases, lasting 44 days. Indians will head to the polls from April 19 to June 1. Results are to be declared on June 4.