India’s 2024 election kicks off, with major implications for the world’s biggest democracy [Video]

New Delhi — People started casting votes Friday in India in what’s set to be the largest general election ever held anywhere in the world, with nearly 1 billion eligible voters. The election will be held in seven phases, starting Friday and lasting until June 1.

Election officials are expected to announce the results on June 4.

Incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi is vying for a third term in office. Pre-election polling is illegal in India, but a survey found Modi’s overall approval rating had risen to 75% in February, a figure that jumped 15% in the last two years. His supporters would argue his popularity surged because of his work in bringing India up on the world stage as a major power, and his critics would say it’s because of his shrewd pro-Hindu and anti-Muslim policies.