India Correspondent and India Correspondent
The Election Commission said that more than 60 per cent of eligible voters had cast their ballot by 7pm local time (9.30pm Singapore time). The voter turnout in 2019 was 67.4 per cent, the highest in all Indian general elections.
Election officials said that there was high turnout despite a heatwave in one of the driest, hottest summers in recent memory. Temperatures hovered around 34 deg C to 40 deg C in most polling regions.
More than 167 million voters were registered to cast their votes on the opening day of the seven-phase election, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hopes to win a third term in power.
The marathon election for 543 constituencies is scheduled to take place between April 19 and June 1, with all results expected to be declared on June 4.
In the opening phase of the 18th Indian general election, a total of 1,625 candidates including 134 women - were in the running, with voters casting their ballot at 187,000 polling booths across the country.
The greatest concerns for 969 million voters countrywide - 18.2 million of them first-timers are rising unemployment and prices, as well as corruption and religious issues.
The 73-year-old Mr Modi is the clear front-runner, with opinion polls predicting an easy win for the BJP, which won 303 of 543 seats in the 2019 election. The BJP is aiming to garner 370 seats this time.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 20, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 20, 2024-Ausgabe von The Straits Times.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Ong Ye Kung calls for more Malay participation in Healthier SG
Healthier SG has been a success since the preventive care initiative was launched in July 2023, with close to 890,000 participants to date, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung as he encouraged greater involvement by the Malay community.
Fire insurance for some US homes soars to $270k due to climate change
Mr Peter Mac was closing the sale of a home in the Hollywood Hills, a four-bedroom, five-bath estate with an infinity pool perched above the lights of Los Angeles.
SIA launching foundation to help students in need, grow aviation industry
To help people and communities in need and spur growth in Singapore's aviation industry, national carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) will be launching the Singapore Airlines Foundation.
FROM CELL TO A SWELL 66
After arrest for felony assault, Scheffler calmly shoots to T4 at PGA C’ship
CITY ON THE BRINK OF NEW DOMINANCE
Guardiola’s men will seal a historic fourth straight EPL title with win over Hammers
Golfers back 'Free Scottie' movement after 'wild' arrest
Long described as a level-headed, wholesome family man whose dominance in golf bordered on boring, Scottie Scheffler now has a mugshot in an orange jumpsuit and a scheduled arraignment on his resume.
KLOPP EXIT TO CAP 'MOST INTENSE WEEK'
He leads Reds out for the last time against Wolves with his Liverpool legacy secured
Pacers force Game 7 as hosts prevail again
The Indiana Pacers produced another big win on their home court on May 17, routing the New York Knicks 116-103 to force a decisive Game 7 in their National Basketball Association (NBA) Eastern Conference semi-final, play-off series.
A FESTIVAL FOR URBAN SPORTS
SportSG hopes inaugural 10-day event will rally the masses and become an Asian fixture
LIM'S KOSCIUSZKO THE BEST BY TWO MILES
Nothing can stop Meagher’s champion as he equals Rocket Man’s 20-win record