India is preparing for a mammoth general election in which around 815 million people have registered to vote – a number greater than the entire population of Europe.
Since the last national election in 2009, about 100 million voters have joined the electoral rolls, in part reflecting India's growing population, half of which is aged under 25. Reuters asked some of the country's registered new voters what they want from the next government.
. MUMBAI, India. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui
Rachel Blaekly, an 18-year-old student, poses during a football practice session at a playground in Mumbai.
Rachel said that she wants stricter laws protecting women’s security from the new government, which will be selected in nine stages of voting between April 7 and May 12. The results will be announced on May 16.
. MUMBAI, India. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui
Deepak Mane, a 19-year-old wrestler, poses inside a traditional Indian wrestling centre.
Deepak said that he wants better internal security and stricter anti-terrorism laws.
. MUMBAI, India. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui
Riyazuddin, an 18-year-old worker, poses next to a cardboard box manufacturing unit at a slum in Mumbai.
Riyazuddin said that he wants the next government to provide better living conditions for the poor.
. MUMBAI, India. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui
Riteesha Tambe, an 18-year-old college student, poses inside her home.
Riteesha said that she would like a better higher education system from the new government.
. MUMBAI, India. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui
Anuj Trivedi, a 19-year-old student, poses inside his classroom at an institute in Mumbai.
He wants less corruption and more economic development from the next government, he says.
. MUMBAI, India. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui
Sameer, a 20-year-old worker, poses inside a bakery in a Mumbai slum.
Sameer said that he wants the new government to reduce food prices.
. MUMBAI, India. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui
Shamsher Singh, a 19-year-old worker, poses inside a mobile shop selling traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine.
Shamsher said that he wants more job opportunities for young people from the next administration.
. MUMBAI, India. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui
Mohammad Sabir, a 20-year-old salesman, poses inside his roadside shop at a market in Mumbai.
Sabir said that he wants less corruption from the new government after the elections.
. MUMBAI, India. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui
Nasreen Bano, a 22-year-old housewife, poses with her four-year-old son inside their one-room apartment.
Nasreen said that she wants the new government to control rising food prices.
