ABSTRACT
Most political theorists considered the conditions that prevailed when India became independent as highly detrimental to the introduction and resilience of democracy. Despite large-scale illiteracy, widespread poverty and high pluralism, the country has successfully held 15 general elections. This chapter explains some aspects of voting in India. It draws on data from National Election Studies (NES), especially those surveys conducted in 2004 and 2009. The chapter discusses the voter turnout and related issues. It deals with the nature of the Indian electorate in terms of voters' interest in politics and elections, their participation and political knowledge. The chapter also discusses the importance of caste, religious and ethnic identities in influencing voting decisions. It examines the extent to which economic condition, both personal and national, influences voters' choices. Studies of the relationship between the economy and voting behaviour proceed from the assumption that people hold the government responsible for the state of the economy.
