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India votes


India might be the country with the second largest population in the world and the largest democracy, however the media almost ignores reporting on the country - other than on any violence like in Mumbai last year or in relation to Kashmir.

One might be forgiven for not knowing that an election is underway in India. Just think of the logistics of some 714 million eligible voters, all others things aside.

The NY Times has a timely report on the election in "As Elections Near, Tightrope Awaits in India":

"Exactly what will happen when India’s 714 million eligible voters head to the polls in the world’s biggest exercise in democracy is difficult to forecast, this year even more than in the past. Few dare to predict what unwieldy coalition may replace the one that has presided since 2004.

But one thing is certain. The next government will confront tough choices as it seeks to balance the need to spur economic growth, which is slowing down for the first time in a decade, with the need to address the anxieties of India’s poor."

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