In a note, the National United Christian Forum urges the community to go to the polls between April 19 and June 1. Expressing a preference is not only “a symbol” but also a “powerful instrument” of “growth and good governance.” We must build a “society that is inclusive and uplifts all its members.”
Delhi () – An “opportunity” for all the Indian people, called to elect representatives who will have the mission of “defending the constitutional principles of equality, justice, freedom, fraternity and prosperity”, as well as affirming the values ”of plurality and secularism”. Starting with the fight against class division, because everyone must be equal and benefit from the same opportunities, regardless of “caste, class, creed, ethnicity and gender.” The National United Christian Forum (Nucf) launched a call when there are just a few days left before the elections that will lead to electing future representatives in Parliament and the next government begin.
The note, which bears the signature of Bishop Anil JT Couto, archbishop and general secretary of CBCI, Rev. Asir Ebenezer, general secretary of NCCI, and Vijayesh Lal, general secretary of EFI, explains that this is a “crucial moment “. “Each voter,” he continues, must “exercise his right and his responsibility” by participating in the “electoral process,” because “our vote is not just a symbol,” but constitutes a “powerful tool for growth and good government.” “.
The NUCF is a forum formed by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI) and the Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI). On the eve of the elections, a historic, complex and articulated round that begins on April 19 and ends on June 1, the three organizations address citizens, particularly Christians, urging them to exercise their right to vote, because It is the way to make your voice heard and make your contribution so that the necessary changes are carried out for greater development of the country.
In the joint statement, the United National Christian Forum states that, “as citizens of India, we invite everyone to reflect on the critical issues facing our communities and our nation at this crucial time.” “The voice of each voter – he continues – has immense value and, collectively, we have the power to shape the future direction of our society.” That is why “we have asked all candidates to run respectful and ethical campaigns, focusing on the important issues that affect everyone's lives.” Finally, Christian leaders encourage commitment to “constructive dialogue” and “solutions that respond to the needs of our population,” which they define as “heterogeneous.” “As citizens, let us approach this election with an open mind and a compassionate heart. Let us listen to different perspectives, seek common ground and work – concludes the NUCF statement – to build a society that is inclusive and uplifts all its members.”
In just under two months, between April and May, India will experience one of the longest and most anticipated elections in its history since the achievement of independence: in six weeks nearly 950 million voters – more than the United States combined. , the EU and Russia – will go to the polls to decide the composition of the Lok Saba (Lower House) and the future government, as well as the personal fate of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his party, the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party). In 2019, a participation of 67% was recorded (almost 615 million voters), but in this case the figure should be higher, with record total numbers, the same as the costs: if five years ago the parties spent around 7 thousand million euros, for the 2024 elections it will probably be double.
At stake is the composition of the lower house of Parliament, the more powerful of the two in a bicameral system that also includes the Rajya Sabha (what is called the Council of States). The party or coalition that manages to obtain a majority in the Lok Sabha – in a majority and multi-party system – will be able to nominate one of its elected members as the next prime minister, who, in turn, must appoint future government ministers. The elections will take place in seven stages, as announced by the Electoral Commission, scheduled for April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. In some major states, such as Bihar, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, voting will be spread over seven dates, in others, such as Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, a single day will suffice. The results will be announced on June 4.
In 2019, the BJP, the majority party, won 303 seats and the governing coalition, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won a total of 352, allowing it to control Parliament. The main rival is the Congress, led by Mallikarjun Kharge, the first leader in the last five decades of the party's history who does not bear the surname Gandhi. The opposition coalition, which was born last year, is called Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, an acronym for “India”, and is made up of numerous parties, including: All India Trinamool Congress (leader in West Bengal), AAP (“Man which controls Delhi) and the Dravida munnetra kazhagam (Tamil Nadu), along with smaller parties ranging from the Muslim League to the Communist Liberation Party. Some of the central issues of the challenge that will determine the future of the most populous country in the world – after surpassing China – are infrastructure, digitalization, pollution and renewable energies, as well as internal conflicts of a social, ethnic and confessional nature. .
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