Anticipation Builds As 18th Lok Sabha Election Approaches Final Phase Amid Heatwave Concerns

With the final phase of the 18th Lok Sabha election set to occur on June 1, 2024, anticipation is building across India. Voters in eight states and 57 constituencies will cast their ballots in the seventh phase, determining the final outcome of an election that has already seen six phases of intense voting. The crucial question on everyone's mind is: who will be the next Prime Minister of India? The answer will be revealed on June 4, 2024, when the counting of votes is completed.

The national capital of Delhi participated in voting during the sixth phase, which was marked by a yellow alert warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) due to a severe heatwave. This extreme weather condition led to a slight decrease in voter turnout, according to media reports.

Health and voter participation are intricately linked. Studies have shown that individuals with poorer health are generally less likely to engage in voting. Social, economic, and health inequities significantly influence voter participation, potentially impacting electoral outcomes. Identified research gaps include the long-term effects of voting on health, the impact of other forms of democratic engagement on health, and how health providers and organisations can influence voting through community interventions.

Voting significantly affects the social determinants of health. Higher voter turnout from specific communities can result in greater influence over political power, leading to the implementation of policies that address the needs of these communities, ultimately shaping their social determinants of health. Conversely, social determinants of health can also influence voting patterns, creating a complex, bidirectional relationship.

Prominent industry experts have voiced their opinions on social media following the voting phases. Dr Sunil K. Khetarpal, Director of the Association of Healthcare Providers of India (AHPI), took to LinkedIn to share a picture of himself post voting and urged others to exercise their democratic right. Healthcare organisations have also played a crucial role in supporting inpatients to vote despite soaring temperatures, providing necessary supplies to protect them from the heatwave as they fulfil their civic duty.

As India gears up for the final phase of voting, the nation is waiting to see how these elections will shape the country's future. The results will not only decide the next Prime Minister but will also reflect the broader interplay between health, social equity, and democratic engagement in one of the world's largest democracies.