Indian elections 2024: Everything you need to know about the world's biggest election
Billions spent, jungle-trekking poll workers and voting at 15,000 feet. What to know about the world's biggest election in 2024 - and it's not in the UK or US.
As the world watches, India prepares for its general elections, a colossal democratic exercise involving nearly 970 million eligible voters, representing more than 10 percent of the global population.
The elections, commencing on Friday and spanning until June 1, mark the world's largest electoral event, characterised by its magnitude and complexity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a historic third consecutive term, facing off against a coalition of opposition parties grappling to challenge his enduring popularity.
The Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Modi, remains the frontrunner according to most surveys, solidifying his status as one of India's most influential leaders.
The enormity of the Indian electorate, coupled with the logistical intricacies, underscores the significance of this electoral process.
Two primary factors underpin this: India's vast size, as the world's most populous nation, and the remarkable logistical efforts required to facilitate the participation of every registered voter.
This year's elections span 44 days, the second longest in Indian history, reflecting the vastness and diversity of the nation. With a whopping 969 million registered voters, surpassing the combined population of the 27 EU member states, including a sizeable cohort of first-time and young voters, the elections unfold across seven phases, staggered across states and federal territories.
Each phase, lasting a day, allows for the efficient management of polling across the nation, accommodating varied geographical and demographic challenges. In states like Uttar Pradesh, voting stretches across all seven days due to its immense size and population.
Critics argue that the prolonged election period favours the incumbent, facilitating extensive campaigning and outreach. Nevertheless, the Election Commission of India endeavours to ensure accessibility, mandating the availability of a voting booth within 2 kilometres of every voter.
The logistical feats of the elections are staggering, with over 15 million election officials and security personnel navigating diverse terrains, including deserts, mountains, and remote villages. In past elections, officials undertook daunting journeys, such as trekking hundreds of kilometres to facilitate a single vote in remote regions bordering China.
Security remains a paramount concern, prompting the deployment of tens of thousands of federal security forces alongside state police to maintain order and safeguard the electoral process. Despite previous instances of violence, notably in West Bengal, rigorous security measures have contributed to relatively peaceful voting in recent years.
As India embarks on this democratic spectacle, the eyes of the world are upon it, recognising the enormity of its electoral process and the enduring spirit of democracy that underpins it.
