Lok Sabha elections refer to the general elections held in India to elect members to the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Parliament of India.
Key points about Lok Sabha elections:
Frequency: Lok Sabha elections are held every five years, unless the government is dissolved earlier, leading to premature elections.
Constitutional Authority: The conduct of Lok Sabha elections falls under the authority of the Election Commission of India, an autonomous constitutional body.
Political Parties: Various political parties participate in Lok Sabha elections, fielding candidates to represent different constituencies across India.
Prime Ministerial Election: The leader of the political party or coalition with a majority of seats in the Lok Sabha is invited by the President of India to form the government. The leader becomes the Prime Minister.
Seat Allocation: The number of seats allocated to each state and union territory is determined based on factors such as population and other considerations. The total number of seats in the Lok Sabha is 545, with two additional seats reserved for Anglo-Indians if needed.
Voting Process: Lok Sabha elections involve a massive voting process, where eligible voters across the country cast their votes to elect their representatives.
Coalition Governments: In India, it's common for political parties to form coalitions to secure a majority in the Lok Sabha. This often leads to the formation of coalition governments.
Significance: Lok Sabha elections are crucial for shaping the political landscape of the country. They determine the composition of the central government, influencing policies and decision-making at the national level.
Recent Elections: The most recent Lok Sabha elections were held in 2019, resulting in the formation of the 17th Lok Sabha. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Narendra Modi, secured a majority, and Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister for a second consecutive term.