When the ballot boxes finally close on 12 May, the horse-trading for power begins in earnest. Who are the regional and minor parties whose allegiences will shape the next Parliament? Grant Wyeth explores India's crowded political landscape.
Singer Tex Perkins is the latest celebrity seeking to enter politics. Dr Lauren Rosewarne asks whether a candidate's celebrity status is the best guage of their potential political effectiveness.
With almost half the world's population set to cast a vote in this year, 2014 is shaping up as one of democracy's biggest (and most challanging) years. Nick Reece
Think you know where you stand on the various parties' policies? Test yourself using Vote Compass, an interactive tool to really get you thinking about policy.