Ap Photo/ Mahesh Kumar.


April 15, 2024

India is gearing up for its national elections, spanning 44 days from April to June. Nearly 970 million eligible voters, representing over 10% of the global population, will cast their ballots. Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a third term, facing opposition alliances. The electoral process's extensive duration is due to India's vast size and logistical challenges.

Since gaining independence from British rule, India has conducted elections of varying durations. In 1951-1952, the process lasted nearly four months, while it took just four days in 1980. The current election, the second-longest, will unfold over 44 days. With 969 million registered voters, India's electorate surpasses the combined population of the 27 EU member states. The inclusion of 18 million first-time voters and 197 million individuals in their 20s underscores the election's magnitude.

Voting for 543 parliamentary seats occurs in seven phases across India's 28 states and eight federal territories. Each phase spans one day, beginning on April 19 and concluding on June 1. While some states conduct voting in a single day, others, like Uttar Pradesh, will vote over seven days due to their large populations.

Critics argue that the prolonged election timeline favors Prime Minister Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The extended duration facilitates extensive campaigning, particularly in regions where the BJP faces challenges. However, electoral authorities stress the importance of ensuring every voter's access to polling booths within a 2-kilometer radius.

The Election Commission of India oversees the electoral process, employing 15 million election officials and security personnel to reach every voter. Officials embark on arduous journeys, traversing diverse landscapes by foot, boat, and even horseback. In 2019, polling officers trekked over 480 kilometers for four days to enable a single voter in a remote hamlet in Arunachal Pradesh to cast their ballot. Additionally, the installation of a polling station at an altitude of 15,256 feet in the Himalayas highlights the election's logistical challenges.

Polling stations are set up in remote locations, including a wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and a shipping container in Gujarat. Security is a paramount concern, leading to the deployment of tens of thousands of federal security forces alongside state police to prevent violence and ensure safe transportation of officials and voting machines. Despite past incidents of violence, the electoral process has become relatively peaceful in recent years due to heightened security measures.

The multiphase nature of India's elections is essential for logistical and security reasons. The diverse geographical terrain, spanning rivers, mountains, and jungles, necessitates extensive security force movements. Election officials pledge to go the extra mile to ensure a smooth voting process for all citizens.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

South Korea’s Yoon faces second impeachment for martial law attempt

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is bracing for a second impeachment vote following his controversial attempt to impose martial....

The US announces $500 million in new military aid for Ukraine.

The U.S. government, led by President Joe Biden, announced another major weapons aid package for Ukraine on Thursday, worth $500....

18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju from India becomes the youngest chess champion.

Teenager Gukesh Dommaraju made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest-ever undisputed classical chess world champion. The 18-year-old from India....

Israel airstrikes kill 66 Palestinians in Gaza, hit shelter post office

An airstrike carried out by Israeli forces on Thursday in the central Gaza Strip claimed the lives of at least....

South Korea's ruling party supports impeachment as president resists stepping down

South Korea is facing a political crisis after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, a decision that has drawn....

Elon Musk is the first person to hit $400 billion in net worth.

Elon Musk has once again made headlines, becoming the first individual in history to achieve a jaw-dropping net worth of....

Refugees Return to Syria as New Interim Prime Minister Takes Charge

Date: December 11, 2024 Source: Reuters Syrian refugees have begun returning home as the nation enters a new chapter following....

Syrian rebels plan government formation, aim to restore order post-Assad

The sudden fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has left Syrians, neighboring countries, and global powers grappling with uncertainty about....

Assad's removal sparks a new chapter for Syria under global watch

Syria entered a new chapter of hope and uncertainty on Monday after the sudden fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.....

South Korea's Yoon apologizes for martial law, refuses to step down

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol publicly apologized on Saturday for his controversial decision to impose martial law earlier this....

World Bank secures $100 billion to support the world's poorest nations

In a significant move to support the world’s poorest countries, donor nations have pledged a record $100 billion for the....

Powerful 7.0 quake hits off California; tsunami warning lifted

A powerful earthquake, measuring a magnitude of 7.0, struck off the northern coast of California on Thursday morning, shaking a....