India Begins Vote Counting After Seven-Phase Election
India is counting votes following a massive seven-phase election, the world’s largest democratic exercise, which began on April 19 and concluded on Saturday. To secure a majority in the 543-member Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s parliament, a party or coalition must win at least 272 seats.
According to the Election Commission’s website, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in 30 out of 50 seats where counting is underway. The INDIA alliance, led by the opposition Congress party, is leading in 10 seats.
Earlier, the BJP was declared the winner of a seat in Gujarat’s Surat. However, this was due to a technicality as no votes were cast. The Election Commission declared the result early because all opposition candidates were disqualified or withdrew.
As election officials continue counting votes, follow the latest updates with Al Jazeera’s results tracker. Voters in four Indian states—Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha—also cast ballots to elect their state legislatures during the national election. Votes for the Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim legislative assemblies were counted on Monday, June 3, a day before the national count.
The BJP secured a significant victory in Arunachal Pradesh, winning 46 out of 60 seats. In Sikkim, the local party Sikkim Krantikari Morcha won 31 out of 32 seats.
Analysis
Academic Mohammad Sajjad predicts a likely win for the BJP-led NDA alliance, expressing a sense of disillusionment. He believes the BJP and its partners will likely form the government, even if their overall seat count is reduced. Sajjad, a professor of history at Aligarh Muslim University in Uttar Pradesh, noted the fear among minorities, including Muslims, at the prospect of Modi returning to power for a third term. He criticized the perceived partiality of the Election Commission of India.
Early Results and Public Reaction
In Surat, retired engineer Prince Patel expected to vote against Modi’s policies but found no polling booths set up. The Election Commission had declared the seat in favor of the BJP after canceling the nominations of opposition candidates and seeing the remaining candidates withdraw.
Editorial Perspective
The Times of India highlighted the need for the next government to set India on a path to wealth before the country ages, given its young, working-age population. Investors are optimistic about another Modi term, anticipating continued economic growth and pro-business reforms. A two-thirds majority in parliament could allow significant constitutional changes, which critics fear.
Historical Context
If Modi's BJP wins with a larger mandate than in 2019, he would make history. Unlike Jawaharlal Nehru, whose Congress party saw its margin of victory decline in his third election, Modi's BJP has been increasing its seat count.
Vote Counting
Vote counting began at 8 am local time, with final results expected by the end of the day. The general trend should become clear a few hours into the count.
Follow Al Jazeera for ongoing updates and results.
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