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World's Biggest Democracy Goes to the Polls

Attacks from Maoist rebels mar start of India's month-long election

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 16, 2009 7:11 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The first of 714 million eligible voters cast their ballots in the opening round of India's election today, reports the BBC. The month-long voting process pits the Congress party-led ruling coalition against the opposition Hindu nationalist BJP party and a coalition of Communist and regional third parties. Turnout has been steady, despite attacks from Maoist rebels, in a race the BBC says is too close to call.

Thwarting a massive security effort, rebels succeeded in killing voters and soldiers in several attacks across the country. In one district, the Maoists burned ballot boxes and blocked roads with trees to keep voters away. "We have taken every necessary measure to ensure peaceful, free, and fair elections," said a police chief in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. "Now you go out and vote."

Voters stand in queues to cast their votes at a polling station on the outskirts of Hyderabad, India, today.
Voters stand in queues to cast their votes at a polling station on the outskirts of Hyderabad, India, today.   (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)
A woman casts her vote at a polling station, in Jamuva Bazar, near Varanasi, India, today.
A woman casts her vote at a polling station, in Jamuva Bazar, near Varanasi, India, today.   (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)
Women display their voter's identity cards and stand in a queue to cast their votes in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh today.
Women display their voter's identity cards and stand in a queue to cast their votes in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh today.   (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)
An elderly Muslim man prepares to cast his vote by using an electronic voting machine at a polling booth in Gaya, in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, today.
An elderly Muslim man prepares to cast his vote by using an electronic voting machine at a polling booth in Gaya, in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, today.   (AP Photo/Saurabh Das)
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Violence mars start of Indian elections
Radio Free Netherlands

Month of voting likely to end without outright winner
Chicago Tribune

 
India • Maoists • Congress Party • Indian elections

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