India's democratic evolution: 8 decades, 18 Lok Sabha elections

India is the world's biggest democracy, which means more people vote there than anywhere else.

When India became independent, it let every adult citizen vote from the very first election in 1951-52.

Back then, about 17 crore people could vote, and they voted using paper ballots.

Today, almost 98 crore people can vote.

Voting has changed a lot: machines called Electronic Voting Machines were first used in 1982, and paper receipts called VVPAT came along in 2013.

The voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 in 1989, so more young people can vote.

Women now vote almost as much as men.

At first, the Congress party usually won elections, but over time other parties and coalitions took power.

In recent years, the BJP has been the biggest party.

India has held 18 general elections so far.