India’s ruling Congress party is poised for a fierce battle to retain its hold on power next month in an election that is likely to focus on management of the economy and national security.
The country’s electoral commission said on Monday the five-phase parliamentary election in the world’s largest democracy would begin on April 16 and stretch to May 13. The final poll count would be conducted on May 16, allowing for the formation of a new government by the beginning of June. The chief election commissioner said the election would try to reach out to 714m voters.
