In 2024, more than 1 billion people across South Asia will head to the polls for national elections. This is an impressive feat, however, an even more impressive feat is the sheer scale of the population this election should hold. In India alone, which alone will account for over 800 million voters alone, the electoral process will be unprecedented.
Not only will this be the largest single election ever held, but existing polls in the region do not indicate an easy election. Regions of high political conflict, such as Kashmir and Tamil Nadu are potentially shaping up to be swing states in the upcoming election.
The political landscape in South Asia is a complex one. Though elections are usually associated with democracy, the politics at play on the regional level make some of the elections more than just about who gets to stay in power for the next four years.
Election campaigns will have to be complex and consider numerous challenges facing South Asian countries—from economic prosperity to climate change to ensuring equitable access to health care and education.
The 2024 elections should be considered a fresh opportunity for South Asian countries to make progress in fields of foreign policy, internal security, and economic development. Electoral reforms must be put in place to ensure that campaigns remain fair and inclusive.
South Asian countries must also ensure that their electoral systems are not only accessible but are also compliant with the international standards of electoral practices. Furthermore, civil society organizations should step up their engagement with political stakeholders to ensure that the views of the citizens of South Asia are accurately represented.
The upcoming 2024 elections, without a doubt, will be a major milestone in the political history of South Asia. This billion-plus voter electorate has the power to reshape the region into the community of shared prosperity each nation strives for. It is now on the people, and the respective governments, to ensure that an open and just electoral process is upheld.