Elections in India Face Violent Resistance

Kurt Kamrath

Indian media sources are calling the first phase of nation wide elections on Thursday a success. Voter turnout is estimated at approximately 60% despite attacks by Maoist rebels aimed at deterring the democratic exercise. The rebels killed 17 in over a dozen attacks which also involved the abduction of voting officials. However, the violence was primarily directed towards security forces. The first round of voting occurred in areas where the rebels have the most influence to allow security officials to focus their attention. Regardless of the violence, there was increased participation among several demographics that have historically been politically apathetic in India. Participation in the elections is being seen as a vote of confidence in the country’s democratic institutions as opposed to allegiance to the rebels. The next three rounds of voting are set for the next three Thursdays with the final round of voting on the following Wednesday. There are 714 million eligible voters making this the world’s largest election.