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India, the world’s biggest democracy, has set dates for its next general elections, with polling to start on April 7. Elections to 543 parliamentary seats would be held in nine phases staggered over the months of April and May, the country’s election commission announced yesterday. The last phase of polling will be held on May 12, with results expected by May 16. India holds elections in phases for logistical and security reasons.
Chief Election Commissioner V S Sampath said 814 million people would be eligible to vote — 100 million more than in the last elections in 2009 — a number larger than the population of Europe, making this the biggest election the world has ever seen.
The ruling United Progressive Alliance led by the Congress party is set to face a serious challenge from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the elections this time. Several opinion polls have placed the BJP and its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi as clear frontrunners.
Running on his strong economic track record as chief minister of the state of Gujarat, Modi has emerged as the favourite, reflecting popular anger over corruption and scandals that have plagued the Congress-led federal government.
Exuding self-confidence, Modi has won the support of many middle-class Indians who even a year ago would not have voted for a man accused by critics of failing to stop, or even tacitly encouraging, a spasm of Hindu-Muslim bloodshed in Gujarat in 2002.
Modi has denied any wrongdoing and the Supreme Court has said there is not enough evidence to pursue investigations.
With half of India’s population under 25, a record number of first-time voters is expected to participate in the election and many appear open to Modi’s promises of job creation and efficient government. — AP
Online Reporter