India, the largest democracy in the world with 814 million eligible voters, is in the midst of an election to choose its next Government. The contest covers 28 states and 9 Union territories, and takes place in nine phases. Rekha Diwakar argues that these elections mark a cross-roads for India’s governance, with a clear and decisive result creating space for increased political stability, while a fractured mandate could usher in an era in instability, opportunistic politics and policy incoherence.
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