The world's biggest election begins tomorrow in India, where 960 million eligible voters will determine the political future of the country of 1.4 billion people. The focus is on elections to the Lok Sabha, the powerful lower house of Parliament, and the question of who will be the next prime minister.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is led by the incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi ran against a coalition of opposition parties led by the historic Indian National Congress. Modi, who came to power in 2014 on promises of economic reform and a strong national program, could match the achievements of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first prime minister, and complete three consecutive terms in office with another election victory.
The election was a major logistical event, divided into seven phases leading up to June 4, with millions of poll workers and more than a million polling stations across the country. The whole process is monitored by Election Commission of India.
How does the electoral system work?
India follows a multi-party system like British parliamentarism. A party or coalition needs 272 seats in parliament to achieve a majority and appoint a prime minister.
Main actors and topics:
Apart from the BJP and INC, economic policy plays a central role, especially the issues of unemployment and inflation. Modi focuses on policies of economic empowerment and national security, while the opposition tries to score points with social issues and criticism of the government leadership.
Why is this election important?
This election is considered an important moment for India that will not only shape the domestic political landscape but also India's position on the global stage. Modi's victory could be seen as a vindication of his policies and reform agenda, while the transition of power has the potential to set new political priorities.
Therefore, elections in India are more than just political events; this reflects the social and economic dynamics of a country that is on the verge of decisive development. This underscores the robust nature of India's democracy and the people's commitment to actively shaping the country's future through their votes.
