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.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 17, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
PACIFIC VAMPIRE AGAIN RUTHLESS
Two-out-of-two from Jason Ong’s newest revelation may open the door to 4YO riches
BURRIDGE WILL NOT HASTEN NEXT MOVE
Softer option works for honest 3YO, but veteran trainer may revisit Guineas plans
Over 200,000 workers gained Skills via company training panels
NTUC says such committees also help firms transform by harnessing digital tools
AIA S’pore invests over 20m In new wealth team and centre
Insurer is targeting the growing affluent population in the region
Singtel shares drop after it warns of $3.lb impairment provisions
Telecoms giant expects second-half net loss but says dividend payments won’ be hit
Yen rises against US dollar, Singdollar on suspected govt intervention
Japanese banks said to be selling greenback for yen as currency plunged to 34-year low
Kindergarten in the 'heart' of Joo Chiat has stories to tell
Site was where notable political steps were taken by Goh Chok Tong and Teo Chee Hean
Over 800 speeding violations caught via red-light cameras in three weeks
Traffic Police’s activation of key function has expanded enforcement tools against violators
Many Ukrainian ex-POWs suffer lingering traumas
They have injuries from torture and sexual violence, but do not get adequate treatment
ICC preparing arrest warrants over Gaza war: Israeli officials
Warrants could name officials from both Hamas and Israel, including Netanyahu