India announces date for historic democratic election

India's election commissioner announced that polls in the world's largest democracy will begin on April 19. This sets the stage for a nationwide election where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to secure a rare third consecutive term.

Around 960 million out of 1.4 billion people in the country are eligible to vote in these highly anticipated polls, which will span over a month.

Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to win another term, leading India which has seen a rise in religious divisions.

Voting will take place in seven stages across the nation and will finish on June 1.

Indians will cast their votes for 543 out of 545 seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament. The remaining two seats in the house are appointed by the president.

The Election Commission announced that all votes from the country's 28 states and eight union territories will be tallied on June 4. The commission made this announcement during a press conference held in New Delhi.

Under Modi’s leadership, India is on track to become a strong economic force in the 21st century as its economy grows rapidly.

However, analysts believe that the popular leader has gained more control over democratic institutions than any leader since the 1970s, during the authoritarian rule of Indira Gandhi. This has led to minorities feeling targeted under the Hindu-nationalist policies of the BJP and dissent being suppressed.

The main opposition to Modi is the Indian National Congress, which has led the country for a large part of the 77 years since independence. Last year, they formed an alliance with other parties called the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, or INDIA. This alliance was a big move for the struggling opposition to try to regain national importance.

However, there are already issues within the alliance. They have not yet announced their candidate for prime minister, and they lack someone with the charisma and popularity of Modi.

Last year, the prime minister had important diplomatic visits to Australia and the United States. During these trips, he showcased himself as a strong leader, solidifying the country's position as a prominent global player.

In a groundbreaking achievement in August, India successfully landed a rover on the moon, marking it as the fourth nation to accomplish this feat. Shortly after, the country launched its first spacecraft specifically designed to study the sun.

India had the chance to showcase its leadership on a global platform when it hosted the Group of 20 (G20) in September. This opportunity came at a time when the country was facing growing political unrest.

In January, Modi kicked off his election campaign by inaugurating the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya. This Hindu temple was built on the controversial site where the Babri mosque once stood.

Analysts noted that the consecration of the temple symbolized a significant change in India's founding principles, as Modi blurred the lines between religion and state in his quest for a third term. Despite criticism, many of Modi's supporters applauded his commitment to the Hindu faith.

In the 2019 parliamentary elections, Modi's BJP secured 303 seats, surpassing the 272 needed for a clear majority and delivering a devastating defeat to the Congress party.

India has now become the world's most populous country, surpassing China last year. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's 2021 data, India's working-age population is over 900 million and is projected to exceed 1 billion in the next ten years.

In preparation for the 2024 polls, the election commission reported a 6% rise in voter registration, with a total of 968.8 million people registered to vote, up from the numbers in 2019.

Editor's P/S:

India's upcoming elections are a significant event that will shape the country's political landscape for years to come. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's bid for a third term has raised concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions and the suppression of dissent. While his economic policies have led to India becoming a strong economic force, his Hindu-nationalist agenda has marginalized minorities and exacerbated religious tensions.

The Indian National Congress, the main opposition party, faces challenges in regaining national importance. The alliance they formed with other parties has yet to announce a candidate for prime minister and lacks a charismatic leader like Modi. However, the elections provide an opportunity for the opposition to challenge the BJP's dominance and restore India's democratic values. The outcome of the polls will have far-reaching implications for India's future trajectory, and the world will be watching closely as the world's largest democracy goes to the polls.