India Begins Counting Votes for General Election 2024

India commenced the counting of over 640 million votes on June 4, 2024, following its extensive six-week-long general election. This election, which began on April 19 and concluded on June 1, saw nearly 970 million eligible voters, making it the largest democratic exercise in history.

The election is widely expected to return Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power for a third consecutive term. If successful, he would join Jawaharlal Nehru as the only leaders to achieve this political milestone.

Exit polls have projected a comfortable win for the BJP and its alliance, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), predicting they will surpass the 272 seats needed for a majority in the 543-member Lok Sabha. Preliminary trends indicate the NDA leading in over 155 seats, while the opposition coalition, INDIA, is ahead in more than 60 seats.

The election has been conducted amid a severe heatwave, with temperatures nearing 50°C, resulting in over 200 deaths, including 33 polling personnel on the last voting day.

Initial counting includes postal votes, followed by electronic votes from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Results trends are expected to become clearer by the afternoon, with final results anticipated later in the evening.

During his 10 years in office, Modi has transformed India’s political landscape. However, his tenure has also been marked by increasing polarization and criticism over economic inequality, youth unemployment, and alleged authoritarian measures against political opponents and media.

The BJP’s campaign emphasized economic and welfare achievements, while the opposition focused on issues of joblessness, inflation, and inequality. The INDIA coalition hopes to disrupt Modi’s trajectory but faces internal ideological challenges.

Counting will take place at secure centers across India, with results indicating the direction by midday, according to the Election Commission of India.