In less than a month, India will embark on the world’s biggest democratic election. The vote, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking re-election to a third term, will be held in seven phases over more than six weeks, starting on Apr 19 and ending on Jun 1. Opposition parties say a long campaign puts them at a disadvantage against Modi. India’s sheer size and diverse geography, as well as the need for security forces and election observers, require the extended voting period.