Third Phase of 2014 Indian General Election

The third phase of the mammoth Indian General Election will be held across 90 constituencies in 9 States and four Union Territories including the National Capital Territory of Delhi today. Therefore, this phase will cover a much larger area than in the first two phases held on April 7 and April 9 (yesterday).

 

Election dates in the 2014 Indian General Election (Pic: Wikimedia Commons)

The 2014 Indian General Election started off on April 7 with the election being held in five of the 14 seats in Assam and one of the two seats in Tripura. Two days later, the election was held in a host of other North Eastern States.

The sheer size of the electorate and the threat of violence have made it necessary for the election to be held in several phases. With more than 800 million eligible voters, holding an election in India is a challenge, even without the threat of violence. However, several North Eastern states face ongoing rebellions and the Eastern heartland of the country is facing the more prominent threat of the Maoist insurgency. Therefore, special security plans are also necessary to hold the election successfully.

Today’s election will include the 20 constituencies in Kerala in South India and the 7 constituencies in Delhi. Kerala is one of the strongholds of the leftwing parties of India which have seen losing support during the last few years. Meanwhile, the election in Delhi would be closely watched given the recent success of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the city.