India’s general election for the 18th Lok Sabha will take place over seven phases spanning 44 days, culminating in the vote count on June 4. This announcement marks the official start of the electoral process, though campaigning in Indian politics has become a constant feature. The ruling BJP’s advocacy for ‘one nation, one poll,’ which aims to cut down on the time spent campaigning, adds to the backdrop of ongoing discussions about simultaneous elections and other significant political issues.
India’s democracy, while vibrant and diverse, faces its share of challenges. Since the 2019 elections, the country has undergone rapid transformations, both positive and negative. The BJP is positioning its second term as a period of progress, while the Opposition’s criticism has been relatively weak. Much of this imbalance is attributed to the BJP’s alleged misuse of state power, influencing the media, bureaucracy, and other political actors, which has further weakened the opposition. The restrictions placed on the principal Opposition party’s bank account for a minor alleged procedural lapse further illustrate the skewed playing field.
The controversial electoral bond scheme, recently declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of India, reveals a troubling trend regarding fairness in elections. The Election Commission of India (ECI) now faces the difficult task of ensuring that the election process is not only fair but perceived as such. Complicating this effort is the sudden resignation of an ECI member and two swift appointments, raising concerns about the political executive’s control over appointments to the commission.
Opposition leaders have also criticised the extended poll schedule, particularly in West Bengal, where voting has been divided across all seven phases. Although the ECI defends the use of electronic voting machines, it must take further steps to reassure the public of their integrity. Additionally, the ECI’s stance on donor privacy versus voter information rights remains contentious, despite the Supreme Court ruling on the issue. Ultimately, all eyes will be on the ECI to safeguard the fairness of the world’s largest democratic exercise.
When will the vote count for India’s 18th Lok Sabha election take place?
a) May 4
b) June 4
c) April 4
d) July 4
What does the BJP advocate for in the context of elections?
a) Strengthening the opposition
b) Increasing the campaign period
c) Shortening the election phases to three
d) One nation, one poll
What issue did the Supreme Court of India recently declare unconstitutional?
a) The use of electronic voting machines
b) The One Nation, One Poll policy
c) The electoral bond scheme
d) The extended poll schedule in West Bengal
What challenge does the Election Commission of India (ECI) currently face?
a) Public distrust in the electoral bond scheme
b) Managing simultaneous elections across India
c) Ensuring the election process is both fair and perceived as such
d) Increasing voter turnout in rural areas
Why have Opposition leaders criticised the election schedule in West Bengal?
a) The voting process is entirely online
b) Voting in West Bengal has been divided across all seven phases
c) Only certain districts are allowed to vote
d) The use of electronic voting machines has been suspended in the state
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