The Indian Election Commission announced on Monday that 642 million voters participated in the general elections that concluded on June 1, setting a world record for voter turnout.
The seven-phase voting process, the largest in the world, began on April 19 and took place under extreme heat in many parts of the country, with temperatures reaching around 50 degrees Celsius in some northern and northwestern regions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third consecutive term, and exit polls suggest his coalition, led by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is expected to secure a substantial majority.
“We have set a world record with 642 million proud Indian voters. This is a historic moment,” Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar told reporters.
Photo: Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs of India