Assessing India’s 2019 election results

With nearly 900 million eligible voters, this year’s general elections in India represent the largest democratic exercise in history. On May 23, after a complex, six-week long election process, Indians will learn the outcome of their votes. Will incumbent Narendra Modi be reelected as prime minister? Will there be a drastic shift in the makeup of Parliament? Whatever the results, given India’s sheer size, its influence in the global economy, and its growing role in the regional and world order, the impact of these elections will be felt well beyond India’s borders.

On May 24, The India Project at Brookings hosted a panel of experts to discuss in depth the general election results. They assessed the results and what the seat and vote shares tell us about voter preferences. The panel also explored the likely contours of the new government and its policy priorities. Finally, they discussed the potential impact of the election results on Indian economic and foreign policy, including U.S.-India relations.

Following the discussion, the experts answered questions from the audience.