The 2024 Indian general election is poised to be a defining moment in the country’s vibrant democratic history. Scheduled to be held from April 19 to June 1, 2024, in seven phases, this election will determine the composition of the 18th Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament.
As the world’s largest democracy gears up for this colossal event, the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is seeking a third consecutive term. The opposition, spearheaded by the Indian National Congress (INC) and its allies under the I.N.D.I.A. alliance, is preparing to challenge the BJP’s dominance.
The previous general elections in 2019 set the stage for the BJP’s robust governance, with the party securing 303 seats. However, the political landscape has evolved since then, with new alliances forming and the electorate’s sentiment shifting on various national issues.
One of the most significant factors in this election is the voter turnout. Approximately 968 million people are eligible to vote, marking an increase of about 150 million from the 2019 general election. This surge reflects India’s growing population and the increasing political engagement of its citizens.
The electoral system in India follows the first-past-the-post voting method, where the candidate with the most votes in each of the 543 single-member constituencies wins a seat in the Lok Sabha. The 104th amendment to the constitution abolished the two seats that were reserved for the Anglo-Indian community, reflecting a shift towards a more inclusive electoral process.
Key issues that are likely to influence the election include the economy, national security, and social policies. The consecration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has also brought Hindu nationalistic sentiments to the forefront of political discourse.
The Election Commission of India has emphasized its commitment to conducting free and fair elections. Measures are being taken to combat the ‘4Ms’—muscle, money, misinformation, and Model Code of Conduct violations—that could potentially hinder the electoral process.
As the election dates draw closer, political parties are ramping up their campaigns, making promises, and setting out their visions for India’s future. The results, expected to be announced on June 4, 2024, will not only shape the nation’s governance for the next five years but also send ripples across the global political landscape.
This election is a testament to the strength of India’s democracy and the will of its people. It is an opportunity for voters to exercise their rights and have a say in the direction their country takes. The world watches with bated breath as India embarks on this monumental democratic exercise.