South Asia is home to the world’s largest democracy and in 2024, more than 1 billion people in seven countries will take part in what is expected to be the biggest election in history. The seven countries are Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, India and Afghanistan.
The election is set to determine the new governments in each country, as well as set the tone of governing for the coming 5 years. The election in India is expected to be the biggest event of this election cycle, as the country is the region’s most populous and is counted among the world’s five largest democracies.
The seven countries that will participate in the election have a population of around 1.9 billion and this year, the election is set to coincide with the 75th anniversary of India’s independence. The election will be closely watched as India’s ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, seeks to come to power again during this important milestone year.
The election in the region is seen as a critical event, as these nations will be at the helm of various important decisions around regional and global issues, including security, climate change, and economic development. In addition, this election will be important for highlighting the legitimacy of democracy in these countries and showcasing how technology and social media are democratizing the election process.
Given the importance and expected magnitude of the impending election in South Asia, various countries are already gearing up for the polls. India will likely lead the charge, as it has in past times. The country is investing heavily in technologies such as voter verification tools and distributed ledger systems to help ensure the integrity of its election process. It is also making efforts to engage with younger voters to ensure that the democratic ethos remains alive and vibrant in the country.
