Elections in India

Elections in India are the largest democratic electoral exercise in the world. Results of these elections are followed closely as they have a direct bearing on the lives of the country's over 1.3 billion population.

The government of India is based on Federalism. There are 3 levels where elected officials can be appointed: state, federal and local levels. Election Commission of India is the apex body which oversees all the matters related to elections.

The Parliament of India has 2 houses: Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The members of Lok Sabha elect the Prime Minister of the country. It is also known as lower house. And comprises a total of 552 members. From states, 530 members are selected, while 20 members in the Lok Sabha represent the union territories. Two of the members are chosen from the Anglo Indian community by the President. The members of the Lok Sabha are elected every 5 years.

Earlier, in 1952, there were a total of 1874 candidates contesting for seats in the Lok Sabha. The number of candidates vying for the seat rose to 13952 in 1996 and in 2009, there were 8070 candidates.

For the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the expenditure was about Rs 37.5 crore. The election was conducted in a total of 9 stages. The cost per voter was estimated to be Rs 17. Votes were cast using EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines). In the 2014 general elections, BJP-led NDA (National Democratic Alliance) secured 282 seats and rose to power. Narendra Modi then became the Prime Minister of India.

While Lok Sabha is called the lower house, the upper house of Parliament is called Rajya Sabha. It consists of 250 members which are elected from states' legislative assemblies and the Electoral College of Union Territories. The tenure for the Rajya Sabha is 6 years and comprises 238 members. After two years, one-third of the members retire. Twelve members from different fields, like scientists, artists, sports personality, journalists, businessmen, jurists and more, are also nominated.

LOK SABHA ELECTIONS

*Twelve seats in Assam and one in Meghalaya did not vote

Current Political Scenario

The year 2017 witnessed the BJP spreading its influence over a major part of the country. However, there are prominent elections coming up in 2018 which can prove game-changing situations for leading parties.

The first assembly election of 2018 were held in Tripura on February 18. The polls for both Nagaland and Meghalaya were held on February 27. The results were declared on March 3. Next in the line is Karnataka election, which is expected to take place in April-May. Mizoram's election will take place towards the end of the year - October-November. Rajasthan's assembly election will start in December 2018 and will carry into 2019.

The Lok Sabha polls will be held in 2019 and it remains to be seen whether the BJP will be able to emerge victorious for the second time as well.

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