Beaming Up Live

EC and UNDP invite delegates from some 20 countries to visit and learn about the election system in India.

Fifty-odd delegates from some African countries, Myanmar, Mauritius, Malaysia etc observe elections in four states.

Election tourism, a concept started before Gujarat assembly polls, doing well. Many foreigners registered for it.

Tourists from UK, US, UAE pay $1,200 for seven-day package. Includes visits to poll rallies, roadshows, party leaders etc.

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The landlocked kingdom of Lesotho, a tiny diamond in southern Africa’s vast sky, may be 4,900 miles adrift, but it seems closer home this season. Dr Makase Nyaphisi melds easily into the hubbub at the main polling centre in Agra, now run over with the 25,000 officials who are to be despatched to the 3,306 polling booths in the district. It’s a blindingly hot day but he’s evidently at ease, walking jau­ntily up in his turquoise-blue kurta to the district...