New Delhi, March 20 (IANS) Delegates from 40 countries of Africa and Latin America will witness the world's largest democratic exercise in April-May when an over 800-million strong electorate, the world's largest, votes for India's new government.
"The delegates, in groups of four-five, will be visiting several states. They will also visit the polling stations," an Election Commission official, who did not wish to be named, told IANS.
An electorate of 814 million - nearly three times the population of the United States - would be eligible to vote in the nine-phased elections from April 7 to May 12 across 28 states and seven union territories to pick 543 members of the 16th Lok Sabha. In addition, the president nominates two members of the Anglo-Indian community to make it a 545-member house.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in coordination with the Election Commission, had last year invited 24 delegates from eight countries of Africa and the Middle East to witness the assembly elections. The delegates had also evinced interest in India's electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Delegates from South Sudan, Jordan, Gambia and Guinea Bissau and representatives from Iraq, Lebanon, Nigeria and Senegal had witnessed the polling process in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Delhi.
"For the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, in consultation with the ECI, we are looking to provide learning and knowledge sharing opportunities for 40 countries. This is a process currently under way, and we will share more information in due course," a UNDP official told IANS.
He said the UNDP has facilitated learning programmes for several countries in transition and newly-formed democracies to learn from India's extensive experience in election management.
He also said that they were committed to sharing India's experience of electoral management with countries across the world.
The Election Commission of India and the UNDP have inked an MoU that focuses on South-South Cooperation in the area of election management.
Delhi Traffic Police told what is the true meaning of this photo of Dinesh Karthik and Rohit Sharma
The first match of the three-match T20 series was played between Team India and Australia in Mohali. During this match, such an incident came when Team India captain Rohit Sharma caught the jaw of
Pakistan: In the Toshakhana case, Imran Khan and his wife Bushra were sentenced to 14 years in jail, and also fined Rs 78-78 crore.
Before the general elections in Pakistan, the problems of opposition party founder Imran Khan are increasing. In the Toshakhana case, a Pakistani court has sentenced him to 14 years in jail. Along
Dawood Ibrahim Poisoned: Is Dawood Ibrahim killed? Was admitted to hospital due to poison, why the fear of death?
The news of the murder of underworld don mafia leader Dawood Ibrahim is coming out in Karachi, Pakistan. It is being told that Dawood Ibrahim, who was admitted to the hospital in Karachi on Friday
China will retreat in Ladakh: Defense Minister said - Disengagement agreement in North and South areas of Pangong Lake, we lost nothing
The tension between India and China in Ladakh for almost a year is now expected to end, as the two countries have reached an agreement to withdraw forces from disputed areas. Defense Minister Rajnath
China-Taiwan Tension: If the war broke out between China-Taiwan, chip manufacturing will stop, this will affect the smartphone market
There is a dispute between China and America on the issue of Taiwan. Relations between the two countries worsened after US Lower House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan. China is trying to threaten
Kejriwal's Name Correctly Enrolled: Poll Panel
New Delhi, Feb 4 (IANS) The Election Commission Wednesday told the Delhi High Court that AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal's name was correctly enrolled in the electoral rolls in his New Delhi
Big accident in Jharkhand: 48 people were trapped on the hill due to the collision of trolleys on the ropeway, the army had to be called for help
A big accident happened in Jharkhand on Sunday evening. Here the trolleys of the highest Trikoot ropeway collided with each other. Due to this accident, 48 people are stuck on the hill for the last 20
Preparing for impeachment against PAK President: President Alvi's proximity to former PM Imran pricking Shahbaz's government; politics in Pakistan
The turmoil in the politics of Pakistan continues. The Shahbaz government is preparing to impeach President Dr. Arif Alvi. Government MPs allege that Alvi is close to former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Congress: The election of the new president becomes a challenge for the Congress, will the party bet on a non-Gandhi instead of Rahul Gandhi?
For the new President of the Congress party, once again the discussion of the name Rahul Gandhi has started gaining momentum. However, Rahul Gandhi has not yet expressed his consent to his name as the
ICC president Kamal sniffs conspiracy in Bangladesh's defeat
Melbourne/New Delhi/Dhaka, March 20 (IANS) International Cricket Council (ICC) president Mustafa Kamal has accused the umpires of favouritism in Bangladesh's 109-run defeat against India in a World