(NewsSpace.com) – India is an extremely populous country, with more than 1.4 billion people living in a land approximately one-third the size of the United States. There are around 970 million registered voters, and the largest democratic election in the world is taking center stage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is campaigning for a third term, but he’s facing multiple candidates in his bid to win.
Modi has been in power since 2014, when he promised to develop the country’s economy and positioned himself as an outsider with no tolerance for corruption. In his time in office, the prime minister has gained a lot of support from the country’s Hindu population, which makes up its majority. However, there are some issues he will have to address if he wants to win a third term.
Over the past few years, there have been several notable incidents in India. Most notably the attacks by nationalists against minorities, including Muslims, and the increasing rate of unemployment. Additionally, many have come to frown upon free media and dissent, which could signal deeper troubles to come.
The general election in India takes place over six weeks, and this year, it began on Friday, April 19. There are seven phases and more than a million polling places in the country. The military will be present at the polling stations and will also help transport the voting machines as well as election officials. The way it works is that the candidate who receives the most votes wins, and a party, to gain the majority, must break 272 seats in parliament.
There are two major factions at the heart of the race, though there are multiple candidates. The biggest competition for Modi, who is part of the Bharatiya Janata Party, is Rahul Gandhi, who is part of the Indian National Congress. There are 2,600 parties in the country. Modi is largely favored to win.
Results are expected on June 4.
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