Millions of Indians on Friday began voting in a six-week election that is a referendum on populist Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi is running for a rare third term as leader of the country and promotes assertive Hindu nationalist politics.

In the first 21 states to hold elections, from the tropical Andaman Islands to the Himalayas, voters began queuing at polling stations hours before they were allowed inside at 7 a.m., according to the agency. Associated Press.

Staggered elections will last until June 1, when nearly 970 million people, or more than 10% of the world’s population, will elect 543 members of the lower house of parliament for five-year terms. On June 4, the votes will be counted.

The election is expected to be one of the most important in India’s history and will test Modi’s ability to govern.

Modi will be the only Indian leader to serve three consecutive terms since Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first prime minister.

With the Indian National Congress and other powerful regional parties leading a large opposition alliance, most polls show Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will win.