Table of Contents
Introduction : Election 2024
The Lok Sabha Election 2024 is slated to take place from 19 April 2024. This mega event aims to elect 543 members to the 18th Lok Sabha, making it the largest-ever election in the world. As UPSC aspirants, understanding the nuances of this electoral process is crucial.
Election Schedule
- The elections will be conducted in seven phases across India.
- Voting will occur from 19 April 2024 to 1 June 2024.
- The results will be announced on 4 June 2024.
Key Facts
- Incumbent Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi seeks a third consecutive term.
- The 2024 elections surpass the 2019 elections in terms of scale.
- This election is the longest-held in India’s history, spanning 44 days.
- largest-ever election in the world
Electoral System
- The Lok Sabha follows the first-past-the-post system.
- 543 elected MPs represent single-member constituencies.
- Eligible voters must be Indian citizens, 18 years or older (Article 326) and registered to vote.
- People of unsound mind and Criminals in jail are denied the right to cast the vote.
- Major parties include the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC).
Major Political Parties - Key Players in the Lok Sabha Election 2024
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
Led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the BJP has emerged as a formidable force in Indian politics, advocating for a blend of nationalism, economic development, and social conservatism. With a strong emphasis on Hindutva ideology, the BJP aims to assert India’s cultural identity while pursuing ambitious economic reforms.
Indian National Congress (INC)
Regional Parties
Number of Lok Sabha Seats : Total Lok Sabha Seats
The Lok Sabha comprises a total of 543 seats, of which 530 members are elected from the states, 13 from Union territories.
Note :Before 2020, total of 545 seats where two members are nominated by the President to represent the Anglo-Indian community which is discontinued by the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019
Distribution of Seats
The distribution of seats is based on the population of each state and Union territory, ensuring proportional representation in the Parliament. In Lok sabha election, 84 Seats reserved for SC (Scheduled Caste ) and 47 Seats reserved for ST (Scheduled tribes).
Major Election Issues
- Hindu nationalistic sentiments have gained prominence after the Ram Mandir consecration in Ayodhya.
- The elections follow significant events like the Abolition of Article 370 and the Implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act.
Voter Registration : How to Register?
The electoral process begins with voter registration, wherein eligible citizens enroll themselves to exercise their franchise. The Election Commission undertakes extensive efforts to ensure maximum voter participation and inclusivity.
Online: Visit the Voter Services Portal, sign up, fill out Form 6, upload documents, and submit.
Offline: Get Form 6 from the Booth Level Officer (BLO), fill it, and submit with necessary documents.
If you’re an Indian citizen living abroad (an NRI), you can still vote in Indian elections. Your passport address determines your voting constituency in India.
Global Attention on Indian Elections
The Lok Sabha elections attract significant international interest and scrutiny, with foreign governments, organisations, and media closely monitoring the electoral process and its outcomes due to India’s geopolitical significance and status as the world’s largest democracy.
Predictions and Opinion Polls
Opinion polls and surveys conducted by various agencies provide insights into voter preferences, electoral trends, and potential outcomes, although their accuracy and reliability may vary.
State Assembly Elections
Simultaneously, state assembly elections will be held in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim. By-elections for 35 seats across 16 states will also take place.
Conclusion
As UPSC aspirants, engage actively in these democratic proceedings. Understanding the electoral process empowers us to make informed choices and contribute to shaping our nation’s future. 🇮🇳
