Asia Rising - #224: Modi wins a Third Term in India

#224: Modi wins a Third Term in India

06/27/24 • 16 min

The world’s largest display of democracy has just taken place, with close to a billion people eligible to vote in an election across 44 days. Narendra Modi has been sworn in for a rare third term as India’s Prime Minister, after emerging victorious in a tough election with a slim majority.

His party, the BJP, had hoped for a landslide victory, but needed to rely on a coalition to gain power.

Guest: Associate Professor Priya Chako ( International Politics, University of Adelaide)

Recorded on 19th June, 2024.

His party, the BJP, had hoped for a landslide victory, but needed to rely on a coalition to gain power.

Guest: Associate Professor Priya Chako ( International Politics, University of Adelaide)

Recorded on 19th June, 2024.

Previous Episode

Event: The State of Democracy in Asia

More than a billion people across Asia have voted so far in 2024, in elections in India, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan and more, but outside of the main results the electoral processes and implications for democracy rarely attracted international headlines.

While voting is a key expression of democratic participation, during elections democratic ideals can be challenged. Many of these elections will have repercussions not just for citizens within these countries and the Asian region, but also for the quality of democracy and human rights across the globe.

What can we learn from these elections in Asia? What can we expect from these countries and the leadership styles they represent? Is democracy healthy in Asia?

Speakers:

Kevin Magee AO (Former Australian Representative to Taiwan)

Dr Priya Chacko (Associate Professor of International Politics, University of Adelaide)

Professor Vedi Hadiz (Director and Professor of Asian Studies at the Asia Institute, University of Melbourne)

Dr Ruth Gamble (Senior Lecturer in History and Deputy Director of La Trobe Asia, La Trobe University) - Chair

Recorded 19th June, 2024.

Next Episode

#225: Taiwan's Thriving Democracy

Taiwan recently saw a peaceful transition of power with the inauguration of President Lai Ching-Te, who was elected to office in January.

President Lai’s election continues the pro-democracy stance of Taiwan, and in his inaugural speech he called on neighbouring China to cease its acts of intimidation and to “choose dialogue over confrontation.”

China responded by holding a simulated blockade of Taiwan, complete with imagery boasting its ability to reign missiles down on the island.

Guest: Kevin Magee (Former Australian Representative to Taiwan)

Recorded on 19th June, 2024.