Brutal heat wave and threats of violence mar India elections

A BRUTAL heat wave sweeping much of India, together with threats of violence from communist guerillas, marred the second round of voting yesterday in the country’s month-long election, keeping millions away from the polls.

Turnout, initially high as voters headed to polling stations early, slowed to a trickle as summertime temperatures touched 44 degrees Celsius. The intense heat caused the death of one election official and hospitalisation of another in the eastern state of Orissa, said Prabhakar Sahu, a spokesman for the election commission.

“The heat wave is so intense how can one go out?” said Suresh Sharma, an engineer from the northern city of Allahabad. “I wanted to cast my vote, but I fear if I go I may fall ill.”