The largest in the world electoral process today may be the one amid the hottest temperatures as Indians head to the polls for the penultimate phase of voting with the mercury expected to reach 47 degrees Celsius in the capital New Delhi.

More than 111 million people in 58 constituencies in eight states and federal territories are eligible to vote in the sixth of seven phases of parliamentary elections.

Officials are concerned that the heat wave in parts of the north of Indiaincluding at Delhi and the neighboring state Haryanamay discourage voters from coming to polling stations and standing in line to vote, in a process already marked by low turnout.

“There is a concern, but we hope that people will get over the fear of the heat wave and come to vote,” he told Reuters. chief election officer in Delhi P. Krishnamurthy.

THE Prime Minister Narendra Modi, head of the nationalist-Hindu party Bharatiya Janata (BJP), is expected to win a third consecutive term, something only Mr Jawaharlal Nehruindependence hero and first prime minister of India.

Voting began on April 19 and will end on June 1, with counting scheduled for June 4.

Turnout was low in the early stages of the election process but has improved as the Electoral Commission, celebrities and politicians encourage citizens to vote.

Modi urged voters, especially women and youth, to “vote en masse” in a message this morning on Platform X. “Democracy thrives when citizens participate and are active in the electoral process,” he said.

The Election Commission has sent thousands of rescuers with medicines and special anti-dehydration preparations to polling centers in Delhi. Misting systems, shade and coolers have also been installed at these points for voters who may have to wait in line for hours amid very high temperatures.