New Delhi  - Elections in India, conducted once every five years, are generally held in a staggered manner to allow adequate security and logistical arrangements so the huge electorate, which nearly equals the population of Europe, can vote freely.

The polls, made a daunting task due to the expanse of India, are to be held in five phases from April 16 to May 13 to ensure the movement of millions of security and election personnel. Results were expected May 16.

In the parliamentary republic, citizens are charged with choosing who will run the federal and state governments. All Indians above the age of 18 have the right to cast a vote.

Since the country gained independence from British rule in 1947, there have been 14 general elections and more than 350 state contests.

India has a bicameral legislative structure with the Parliament consisting of the Lok Sabha, or lower house, and the Rajya Sabha, or the Council of States.

A total of 543 of the Lok Sabha's 545 members are directly elected by popular vote to represent individual constituencies for five-year terms.

The number of parliamentary constituencies in a state depends upon the size and the population of the state. Two members are nominated by the president from the Anglo-Indian community.

In the Indian parliamentary system, the executive is subordinate to the legislature with the prime minister and his council being responsible to the Lok Sabha.

The executive, along with the Council of Ministers, is chosen from among the members of the winning party or the ruling coalition.

The Rajya Sabha has 245 members serving staggered six-year terms. Most members are elected indirectly by the state and territorial legislatures in proportion to the state's population.

The polling is conducted by government officials and held in government schools and colleges as well as certain other state-owned venues.

The Election Commission has banned exit polls during the voting phase. Such surveys lost credibility after the 2004 election.

After the results are submitted, the president would invite the party or coalition that has won the most seats to form the government.

The new government might be required to prove its majority through a vote of confidence. It needs a simple majority of the 545-member lower house. (dpa)