India Elections 2024: Modi Poised for Third Term Amid Controversies
The final phase of India's 2024 general elections concluded on June 1, with exit polls indicating a likely historic third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The elections, spanning seven phases from mid-April, were marked by allegations of voter suppression and intimidation of opposition candidates, particularly from Muslim communities.
With nearly a billion eligible voters, this election was the largest in India's history. However, the election process was marred by a deadly heatwave, which led to the deaths of dozens of voters and polling officials, particularly in northern states where temperatures soared to nearly 50 degrees Celsius.
Exit polls predict the BJP might secure a two-thirds majority in parliament, enabling potential constitutional amendments. Modi's past decade in office has significantly altered India's secular democracy with his Hindu nationalist agenda.
The opposition accused the BJP of election rule violations and using government mechanisms to target rivals, including high-profile arrests of figures like Rahul Gandhi and Arwind Kejriwal. Despite these allegations, the BJP is expected to gain ground in traditionally less supportive regions like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
Vote counting begins on June 4, with results anticipated the same day.
Mexico's Historic Election: Sheinbaum Projected Winner
In Mexico’s largest and historically significant election held on June 2, Claudia Sheinbaum of the ruling Morena party is projected to become the country's first female president, according to preliminary results. Voter turnout exceeded 98 million, with over 20,000 positions contested.
Sheinbaum, alongside her closest rival Xóchitl Gálvez from the opposition coalition, led a campaign marked by intense security concerns. The election period witnessed significant violence, with numerous candidates targeted by criminal organizations.
Sheinbaum’s campaign focused on continuing the policies of outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, while Gálvez advocated for reversing several of his policies. The new administration will face critical challenges, including cartel violence, economic management, and migration issues, also impacting US-Mexico relations.
Polling stations faced delays, and logistical challenges were encountered, with long queues reported both domestically and internationally. Official results are pending confirmation from Mexico’s National Electoral Institute (INE).
Deadly Heatwave Impacts India's General Election
A severe heatwave during India’s 2024 general elections resulted in the deaths of at least 61 people, including 43 election workers, mostly in Uttar Pradesh. Temperatures surged past 42 degrees Celsius, with some areas hitting 50 degrees, despite measures like providing water and shade at polling stations.
This election, the largest globally, required over 15 million officials to manage, some traversing difficult terrains to reach voters. The heat additionally affected voter turnout and the overall election atmosphere. Counting of votes will take place on June 4.