Exit polls put Congress ahead as India's vote ends
Thursday, 14 May 2009
NEW DELHI (Agencies): The ruling Congress-led coalition was slightly ahead of the opposition Hindu-nationalist alliance in India's general election, but both groups fell short of a parliamentary majority, early projections said Wednesday.
Two exit polls showed both alliances would need new partners, renewing concerns that a shaky coalition government will emerge at a time when Asia's third largest economy is faced with a slowdown and instability in neighboring Pakistan.
Neither grouping was seen as getting close to the 272 seats required to secure a parliamentary majority.
Exit polls have proved notoriously inaccurate in previous Indian elections, and the official result will only be announced by the Election Commission on Saturday.
The actual count of votes is scheduled for Saturday and results from all the races to the 543-member lower house of parliament will be known that day.
Two exit polls showed both alliances would need new partners, renewing concerns that a shaky coalition government will emerge at a time when Asia's third largest economy is faced with a slowdown and instability in neighboring Pakistan.
Neither grouping was seen as getting close to the 272 seats required to secure a parliamentary majority.
Exit polls have proved notoriously inaccurate in previous Indian elections, and the official result will only be announced by the Election Commission on Saturday.
The actual count of votes is scheduled for Saturday and results from all the races to the 543-member lower house of parliament will be known that day.