Voting in 47°C weather: Experts blame low turnout on poor planning by India’s election body

NEW DELHI: Madam Nisha Janotri and her husband have no choice but to go out in India’s searing heat to earn enough for their family.

The couple run a clothes ironing stand in South Delhi, which does not have electricity or even a fan. It is also even hotter for them due to heat from the charcoal iron they use. 

“It becomes unbearable sometimes. Some days I feel weak and lightheaded,” Mdm Nisha told CNA.

“I pick up the clothes from different homes, iron them and deliver them back. It becomes very difficult in the heat.”

The mercury has soared beyond 45 degrees Celsius across the world’s most populous country, where a general election is ongoing. 

In New Delhi, where voting will begin on Saturday (May 25), temperatures have hit as high as 47.4 degrees Celsius. 

As the capital sizzles, authorities have issued the highest level of alert for severe heatwaves. 

Meanwhile, at least nine people have died in the western state of Rajasthan due to suspected heat stroke. 

India’s summer temperatures often peak in May, but scientists have predicted more heatwave days than usual this year, largely caused by fewer non-monsoon thundershowers and an active but weakening El Nino weather phenomenon.

Climate experts have blamed lower voter turnout on a lack of preparation for the hot weather by India’s poll body.

Experts also criticised political parties for largely keeping India’s climate crisis away from their manifestos.