Elections are underway in India, the world's largest democracy.

Tens of millions of Indians have already headed to the polls which will stay open for an entire month.

Early estimates indicate a fairly heavy turnout, with most states reporting more than 60 percent of eligible voters casting their ballots.

More than 700 million people are eligible to vote.

Click the player to watch CBN International Correspondent George Thomas talk about what is at stake in the outcome of the elections.

*Originally aired April 17, 2009.