Clashes, protests in Kashmir mar Indian voting
Güncelleme Tarihi:
SRINAGAR, India - Scores of protesters clashed with government troops in Indian Kashmir's main city yesterday as residents went to the polls in the disputed Himalayan region, the country's capital and other key states in a monthlong parliamentary election.
Nearly 95 million voters were eligible to vote in yesterday's election for 85 seats in India's 543-seat lower house of Parliament. More than 700 million voters were eligible to vote across the country in the election, which authorities staggered for logistical and security reasons.
Few expect a clear mandate from Indian voters after a lackluster campaign that has been devoid of resonant, central issues. Polls indicate neither the Congress party, which leads the current governing coalition, nor the main opposition, the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, will win enough seats to rule on its own. Instead, many of the seats are expected to go to a range of regional and caste-based parties that tend to focus on local issues and promises, leaving India with a shaky coalition government.
Thousands of troops wearing bulletproof jackets and carrying assault rifles patrolled the streets and guarded polling stations in the Kashmiri city of Srinagar amid separatist calls for a poll boycott and a general strike. The final round of voting will take place on May 13. Results of the massive election are expected May 16. A new parliament has to be in place by June 2.