Indian general election, 1999

General Elections were held in India in September-October, 1999, a few months after the Kargil War. The elections became necessary when the then prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee lost a no-confidence vote in the Lok Sabha (lower house of parliament) earlier that year and the opposition failed to unite to form the next government. Thus shortly after the no confidence motion, President K. R. Narayanan dissolved the Lok Sabha. Atal Behari Vajpayee remained caretaker prime minister till the elections were held later that year. His role as de facto Head of State during the Kargil war helped the NDA attain a majority in the election and reinstated him as Prime Minister. The 13th Lok Sabha election is of historical importance as it was the first time a united front of parties managed to attain a majority and formed a government that lasted a full term of five years. Thus ending a period of perceived political instability at the centre that was marked by three general elections held in as many years.

Voter turnout was 59%.

Results

Listing only includes national parties, state parties or unrecognised parties which won seats.

ummary

Accusations of electoral fraud

In West Bengal, CPI(M) and the Trinamool Congress-BJP traded accusations of vote-rigging and intimidation. BJP said their polling agents had been driven away from 621 polling booths. Trinamool claimed rigging by CPI(M) activists, but did not demand any repoll. CPI(M) claimed that Trinamool activist had captured 100 polling booths, and demanded repoll in these booths. [http://www.indianexpress.com/res/web/pIe/ie/daily/19991004/ipo04016.html Oppn parties allege rigging by CPM ] ]

References