As the calendar flips its pages, India gears up for the 18th Lok Sabha Elections in 2024. These elections are not just about voting; they’re about the pulse of the nation, its hopes, dreams, and aspirations.
What Are Lok Sabha Elections?
Lok Sabha elections are like the Super Bowl of Indian democracy. It’s when every Indian citizen who is 18 years or older gets to cast their vote and have a say in who represents them in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament.
When Are They Happening?
The 18th Lok Sabha Elections 2024 will be held in India from April 19, 2024, to June 1, 2024, and will be conducted in seven different phases.
Why Are They Important?
These elections are a big deal because they determine the direction in which the country will move for the next five years. The party that wins the majority of seats in the Lok Sabha gets to form the government and make important decisions about laws, policies, and the overall governance of India.
Who Are the Key Players?
In Indian politics, there are several major political parties, each with its own ideologies and agendas. The two main contenders are usually the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), currently in power, and the Indian National Congress (INC), one of the oldest political parties in India. However, there are also regional parties that hold significant sway in their respective states and could play a crucial role in forming alliances.
What Are the Issues at Stake?
The issues that dominate the election discourse vary from year to year, but some perennial topics include unemployment, economic growth, healthcare, education, national security, and social harmony. Additionally, recent events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on livelihoods, are likely to influence voters’ decisions.
How Does Voting Work?
On the day of the elections, eligible voters head to their designated polling stations to cast their votes.
What Happens Next?
After the votes are tallied, the party or coalition with the majority of seats gets invited to form the government. The leader of that party becomes the Prime Minister of India, and they, along with their cabinet ministers, are responsible for running the country.