Lok Sabha Election 2024

KAKALI DAS

In 2024, the world is experiencing a mega election year, with nearly half of the global population eligible to vote, totalling 4 billion people. India alone accounts for a staggering 968 million voters, involving 28 states and 8 union territories.

This is, truly, a mammoth exercise, unparalleled in scale and scope globally – making it the world’s largest democracy, and this election the largest in the world.

Voting for the upcoming election will commence on April 19^th and continue until June 1^st, spanning a total of 44 days in a staggered manner across 7 phases. This duration marks the longest general election in India’s history. While some states will conduct voting in a single day, others, including larger states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal, will vote across all 7 phases.

Elections for the 14 Lok Sabha constituencies in Assam will take place in three phases on April 19, April 26 and May 7. The election results will be announced on June 4^th.

India boasts a staggering 968 million eligible voters, surpassing the combined population of Europe. This figure reflects an increase of 150 million compared to the 2019 general elections.

Among the eligible voters, 497 million are men, 471 million are women, 197 million are young voters, 18 million are first-time voters, 8.2 million are over the age of 85, and 0.2 million are centenarians. Additionally, non-resident Indians (NRIs), residing outside India, also have the opportunity to cast their votes.

These voters will elect 543 politicians to the Lok Sabha. Among the contenders, there are 6 national parties, 52 state parties, and 2301 unrecognised parties.

The ruling party since 2014 has been the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while in the opposition, the Indian National Congress holds a significant position. Additionally, regional stakeholders such as the Trinamool Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party, the Samajwadi Party, and the DMK have joined forces to form the India block, an alliance of opposition parties.

In the 2019 elections, 673 political parties participated, with 36 of them winning seats. The BJP-led NDA coalition secured a landslide victory, clinching a record 353 seats, while the Congress and its allies secured 91 seats. This time, the BJP is aiming to expand its gains further, targeting 400 seats. The last instance of a party winning more than 400 seats was in 1984, following the assassination of Indira Gandhi, when the Congress party achieved the feat.

If the BJP secures the election victory, Narendra Modi will serve as India’s Prime Minister for a third consecutive term. His tenure would place him as India’s third-longest-serving Prime Minister, following Jawaharlal Nehru, who held office for 16 years and 9 months, and Indira Gandhi, who was in power for 15 years and 11 months.

Voters will cast their votes using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), which were first introduced in 1982. To vote, voters simply press the button beside their chosen candidate’s name and party symbol. Additionally, there is the option of NOTA (None of the Above) for those who do not wish to vote for any of the candidates listed.

For this election, over 5 million machines will be deployed in more than 1 million polling booths, spread across the country, including some in very remote locations. Notably, there is a booth situated at 15,256 ft in the state of Himachal Pradesh, marking it as the world’s highest polling station. In 2019, a polling station was established in the Gir sanctuary, nearly 70 kilometres inside the dense forest.

From the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the arid deserts of Rajasthan and the lush landscapes of southern India, polling booths are established across diverse terrains, presenting a monumental task for poll officials. Approximately 15 million polling staff will be deployed, including security personnel. Following Election Commission guidelines, every voter should be within 2 kilometers of a polling station, necessitating extensive travel by officials across India to ensure that every citizen can exercise their democratic right.

In 2019, there was a remarkable case where election officials traveled for 4 days, covering a distance of 482 kilometers, to establish a polling station in Arunachal Pradesh, all for the participation of just one voter. In Maoist-infested areas, polling officials are unable to use cars, so they undertake hikes to set up booths, all in the effort to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to vote.

In 2014, the voter turnout was recorded at 66%. By 2019, it had increased to approximately 67.4%, marking the highest turnout in India’s history. This year, an even higher turnout is anticipated.

An election of this magnitude will incur a substantial bill, potentially making it the world’s most expensive election. Estimates suggest it could cost anywhere between $10 to 15 billion, surpassing the expenses of the 2020 US election. This includes various expenses such as campaigning by political parties, expenditures on offices, preparation of electoral rolls, charges for conducting elections, and issuing photo identity cards.

Record-breaking voter turnout, unprecedented duration of voting, and a monumental spending bill, all records the immense scale of India’s election. Yet, it’s the smaller details, such as establishing polling booths for solitary voters or enduring four-day treks to ensure everyone’s right to vote, that truly epitomize the essence of democracy.

Voting is both a fundamental right and a civic duty. Election Day holds significance as a day to actively participate in democracy, not merely as a typical national holiday. Therefore, seize the opportunity to exercise your democratic right and fulfill your duty by casting your vote. It’s the minimum contribution you can make towards shaping the future of your nation.

27-03-2024

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