Elections 2024: Looking Back to Shaping India’s Landscape!

Looking back on the elections 2024, one can, by all means, imagine that the governance during that era was very good. it was influential, and by all means, it was truly phenomenal. This means that for sure 2024 brought in a major change in terms of assembly elections.

Therefore, read this blog to get all the information about the elections 2024. This will efficiently look back on what was seen in 2024 and what led to its strong definition that has significantly impacted India’s future to date.

Article Overview

General Elections 2024

One of the most consequential events of 2024 was the Lok Sabha elections. This election was held from April 19 to June 1. It was known to be notable not only for its scale, which is over 900 million registered voters but also for the unexpected outcomes it produced. On top of that, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed for a significant victory with a target of 400 seats. However, it fell short and secured only 240 seats on its own and 293 seats in coalition with allies in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Decline

This result marked a decline from their previous tally of 303 seats in 2019. Furthermore, it went on to indicate a shift in voter sentiment. The opposition coalition, known as INDIA, which includes prominent parties like the Indian National Congress (INC), made substantial gains, winning 234 seats overall.

Plus, the Congress party alone increased its representation from 52 to 99 seats. This achieved an official opposition status for the first time in a decade. This electoral outcome has been interpreted as a clear signal of changing dynamics within the Indian landscape, highlighting the electorate’s desire for alternatives to the BJP’s rule (elections 2024).

Importance of Elections

An election is a voting process wherein the general public decides who should comprise the governing body to work towards the nation in representative institutions like the Parliament, Legislative bodies, etc. Each citizen of the country can vote after they attain the age of 18 years.

The two systems that can be used today to conduct elections are the ballot system and the electron voting machines. India, the largest democracy globally, cannot escape this process of holding elections regularly and moderately. Holding elections for the whole of the population is a critical consideration every time elections are held.

Choice of leadership – Elections 2024

By participating in elections, every citizen can choose their leader by voting in favor of the politician or the political party.

Change of leadership – Elections 2024

As the citizens are the ultimate authority in any democracy, they can voice their opinion if they do not like the testaments of the existing government. They can change the government by choosing their following votes carefully and giving a thought to the political party before giving them their vote.

Political participation – Elections 2024

As a responsible citizen of the country, if one feels an issue is not being addressed by most or all of the political parties or that some modifications need to be made in their solution, they can always participate in that discussion either by raising their opinions to the governing bodies or by forming political parties themselves to bring about a reform.

Self-corrective system – Elections 2024

Due to the regularity present in the Indian election system, it acts as a kind of check on the work of the political parties, restating the fact that if the party is not efficient enough in their work, they will not form the government subsequently. Therefore, political parties have a regular performance of working well to get votes from the public.

Adult Franchise

Franchise, meaning free, means the right for the citizens of a nation to vote and elect their representatives. Adult franchise thus implies that all adult citizens be given the right to vote and elect their representatives irrespective of class, caste, gender, and sex. Providing this right to a country’s adult population is the basis of living in a democratic nation.

As they say, in a democracy, the government is of the people, for the people, and by the people. So, all three facets of this saying are essential, but we are currently focussing on the third facet, “by the people.” Citizens elect representatives to form representative institutions like the parliament, legislative assembly, and others.

Now, the voting age varies nation by nation. It is 18 when you reach a state qualified/mature enough to choose your representative in the governmental bodies in our nation. Earlier, it was 21, but after the 61st Amendment Act of 1989, it was brought down to 18.

To become a voter in India, the following conditions must be satisfied:
Must be an Indian citizen
Must have attained 18 years of age
Must not have been declared bankrupt.

Facts About Voting in India – Elections 2024

Voting is a moral duty and a right of every citizen. Here are some facts about the voting and elections in India;

January 25th is celebrated as National Voters’ Day in India. It marks the formation of the Election Commission of India, which the government of India established in 2011. The Commission encourages young voters to take part in elections.
The Election Commission of India regulates the entire electoral process and ensures that elections are free and fair throughout the country.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), introduced in India in 1982, allow citizens to vote electronically, making it easier for the Election Commission of India to count the votes.
In 2013, the “None of the Above” (NOTA) option was added. It allows voters to dismiss all candidates if none of them meet your set of requirements.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) issues the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC), often known as the Voter ID card, which identifies Indian citizens voting in state and national elections.
Due to the nation’s huge population and geographical variation, elections in India are often held in many phases.

What is the Process of an Election?

Elections in India are an exciting affair. Candidates compete for their chance to lead. From announcing the date and time to counting the votes, each phase is like a strategic move in the democratic game.

The Election Commission of India announces the date and time of the election day.
Political parties select candidates for nomination in elections. They fill out forms to formally enter the election race.
There is a 14-day window before the election campaign polling day. Political parties use massive rallies and door-to-door campaigning to gain public support.
On election day, people visit polling booths. They cast their votes secretly on the EVM, and their finger is inked to ensure that they only cast one vote.
After everyone has voted, it is time to count the votes. The candidate who receives the most votes wins!

Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly Elections 2024

In addition to the general elections, the state assembly elections also played a crucial role in shaping the narrative of India. In Maharashtra, the assembly elections were particularly significant. This is because they follow a decade-long absence of elections since the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Resignation of Arvind Kejriwal During Elections 2024

Another significant event was Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation. His departure from office was seen as a response to a lot of pressure and challenges faced by his government. This was recorded amid rising political tensions and electoral setbacks. Kejriwal’s resignation underscored the shifting allegiances and strategies within Indian politics as parties recalibrate their approaches following electoral results.

Conclusion – Elections 2024

Therefore, this is all you should know about the elections 2024. The year 2024 has truly been one of a kind, and by all means, it has transformed India’s landscape. Plus, as Narendra Modi embarks on his third term, the challenges ahead will require quick thinking and strong leadership. This, in the long run, will go on to show great accountability in terms of governance in future politics.