900mn to vote in Indian elections, but expats in Oman can’t

Muscat: India’s election commission has announced that it will conduct the 2019 general elections in seven phases from April to May.
The polls will be held from April 11 to May 19 and votes will be counted on May 23, Indian EC said.
Indian expats living in Oman, however, can’t vote from Oman.
900 million voters
Around 900 million voters will vote to elect a new Lok Sabha, or lower house of parliament, in the upcoming election.
“You have to be physically present in India to vote in this election,” a senior official of the Indian Embassy said. The lower house has 543 elected seats and any party or coalition needs a minimum of 272 MPs to form a government.
The election will have more voters, 900 million, than the population of America and Australia combined. More than 66 percent of the total population voted in the last general elections, that were held in 2014.
8,250 candidates
More than 8,250 candidates representing 464 parties contested the 2014 elections and the number is touted to go up in this year’s election.
In a tweet, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, said: “The festival of democracy, Elections are here. I urge my fellow Indians to enrich the 2019 Lok Sabha elections with their active participation. I hope this election witnesses a historic turnout. I particularly call upon first time voters to vote in record numbers.”
Spirit of confidence
The Indian prime minister also said: “2019 polls are about a spirit of confidence and positivity with which India is fulfilling the aspirations of its people.”
He also wished all the best to all the political parties.
“Wishing all political parties and candidates the very best for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. We may belong to different parties but our aim must be the same- the development of India and empowerment of every
Indian!”