NEW DELHI -- Election Commission officials on Tuesday began counting ballots cast over India's six-week general election, which closed on a high note with record voter turnout. The 2024 election was closely watched not only within India but also on the international stage, as the results would shape the political landscape of the world's largest democracy for the next five years.
India has started counting votes for its 2024 general election and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks set for a rare third term in office. Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ran a formidable campaign, focusing on economic growth, national security, and Hindutva ideology. The opposition, led by the Indian National Congress, put up a strong fight but the exit polls suggest a clear victory for the incumbent government.
India's 6-week-long national election came to an end Saturday with most exit polls projecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to extend his tenure, further solidifying his position as a dominant figure in Indian politics. Modi's leadership has been marked by a mix of economic reforms, social initiatives, and controversial policies, making him a polarizing figure both at home and abroad.
In May, Narendra Modi marked a decade as India's prime minister. It is rare for politicians in democracies to surpass ten years in office, but Modi's popularity among the Indian electorate has remained relatively high despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic slowdown, and regional tensions. His ability to connect with voters through social media and mass rallies has been a key factor in his continued success.
India's election, the biggest in the world, saw more than six weeks of grueling campaigning - often in blistering heat. Political parties crisscrossed the country, making promises, engaging in debates, and mobilizing supporters. The issues at stake in this election were wide-ranging, from economic development and job creation to national security and social justice.
Foreign actors from India and the People's Republic of China allegedly interfered in more than one race for the leadership of the country, raising concerns about external influence on India's internal affairs. The rise of digital propaganda and disinformation campaigns has added a new dimension to Indian politics, with social media platforms becoming battlegrounds for competing narratives and ideologies.
NEW DELHI — India's marathon election enters its final phase on Tuesday with the counting of more than 640 million votes in the world's largest democratic exercise. The outcome of the election will not only determine the composition of the Indian Parliament but also have far-reaching implications for India's relations with other countries, particularly its neighbors and strategic partners.
The world's largest election could also be one of its most consequential. India's general election pits avowed Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi against a diverse array of regional parties and opposition groups. The outcome of the election will shape the future of India's domestic policies, foreign relations, and economic trajectory, influencing not only the lives of its 1.3 billion citizens but also the geopolitical balance in the region.
