As 1988 drew to a close, Indian politics were focused nearly exclusively on preparations for the general elections to the Lok Sabha, which must be held before the end of the year. An effective national opposition, therefore, must be constructed out of a multiplicity of opposition political parties, some with strength in several states of the Indian Union, some confined only to a single state. Major political changes have occurred which could affect both the election outcome and the shape of Indian politics. For the most part, elections in India since Independence have been free, fair, and competitive. Both the Congress and the opposition have also carried to new heights the custom hallowed in all systems of electoral politics of releasing public funds before elections and promising their release after the elections. Since Independence, the Congress organization has either been in power or has been the largest opposition party in parliament.