The Indian election marathon, divided into seven phases, has reached its third leg with voters from 11 states exercising their franchise to elect representatives for 93 seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament.
The initial two phases of the electoral process took place on April 19 and April 26, encompassing 190 constituencies.
However, voter turnout witnessed a slight dip compared to the 2019 elections, standing at 66.1 percent and 66.7 percent, respectively, marking a 4 percent decrease.
At the heart of this democratic spectacle are the contrasting ideologies and promises put forth by the two major alliances vying for power. On one side stands the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), steered by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), directed by the two-time Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Opposing them is the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, led by the principal opposition party, the Indian National Congress.
With 543 seats in the Lok Sabha up for grabs, the party or coalition clinching a majority will be tasked with forming the next government, thereby wielding significant influence over the country’s trajectory.
This election, often flaunted as the world’s largest democratic exercise, boasts a staggering 969 million registered voters, who will partake in the electoral process spread over six weeks.
The culmination of this fervent democratic exercise will occur on June 4 when the results of the election will be announced, potentially reshaping India’s political landscape.
Chioma Kalu
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