“Two weeks to go, two more phases left, too much suspense and too much distasteful deliveries ”- will perhaps be the prompt answer from an average Indian, if a one-liner is sought from him or her to describe the general elections 2019 thus far. Truly, it’s time to bask in the finest moments of the world largest democracy, keep track of the mega battle, observe campaign speeches of the flag bearers, make suo moto calculations about a possible result and enjoy the suspense all along till May 23.

Electoral battle which was spread over five phases beginning  April 11  is over in 424 seats, including 25 in Northeast and it’s 118 left for remaining two phases. Voter turnout which is supposed to be a trusted indicator in many ways is well above 65 % after five phases and whether it will surpass the 2014 figure of 66.40 %, the highest so far, will be clear on May 19 evening, the seventh and last phase. But keeping aside these mundane set of data, it will be worthwhile to have an assessment of the evolving atmosphere, of which the average Indian is also a  discerning spectator. And it’s in this new atmosphere where grace, decency and wit have been shown zero tolerance by most of the political parties, not by their grass root level workers alone but by the top brass themselves. Slugfest has become an integral part of any electoral process in the country, if recent terms are scrutinized, but hasn’t descended to such a nadir as this time. And it is utter disbelief that has replaced the reverences for the personalities nurtured over years. That what could have be enlightening, absorbing and enriched speeches hovering around the practicability of election manifestos of each other's opponents, have taken shape of street quarrels with individual attacks flowing unceasingly. And it would be most unfortunate for the nation’s democratic ethos if it ultimately becomes a new normal.     

If this is an undesirable aspect of 2019  elections, the other one which is something to relish is the suspense element which started long before the day of election announcement when opinion polls started flashing sometime in December last. It has cast an overwhelming spell since then and now it’s nothing sort of a cliffhanger, with everyone now a self-declared psephologist giving opinion about the opinion polls.     

Which party or alliance will be forming the next government, which dark horse will outsmart which heavyweight, will the candidate whom I voted for emerge winner…  all enjoyably suspense-loaded thoughts will stay with us and even multiply from May 19 evening when exit polls will be pouring in.

And since exercising patience is also a part of democratic existence, we have to wait till  May 23 evening. At the moment it can only be said - so far, so suspenseful.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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