India ushered in the world's largest democratic pageant this week as it began the first phase of national elections. The vote will stretch out over three weeks, with counting and final results set for May 13. Blistering economic growth appears to be the springboard for yet another parliamentary majority for Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's coalition government.
The prime minister is to be applauded for his efforts to pry open the Indian economy, but much more needs to be done. A vote of confidence could give him a mandate for more sweeping change, and for more vigorous negotiations with Pakistan over the thorny issue of Kashmir.
Some 675 million people are eligible to vote in India; about 60 percent of them usually do, making Indian elections a showcase for democracy. The prize is control of the 545-seat Parliament and the government. Mr. Vajpayee, head of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has led a multiparty coalition, the National Democratic Alliance, which has formed the government since 1998. He went into these polls expecting to maintain his post; exit polls indicate his confidence is justified.
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