India's Election Consultants Expand Global Footprint with Covert Campaign Tactics
A growing number of Indian election consultants are reportedly expanding their influence to manipulate elections across the globe, including the upcoming US midterms.
The shadowy consultants, known for their expertise in covert campaign tactics, have been observed extending their services to countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and the Philippines, among others.
According to sources within the industry, these consultants have been instrumental in shaping the outcomes of several high-profile elections in India, including the 2014 general elections.
US Midterms at Risk of being Influenced by Indian Consultants?
The involvement of Indian election consultants in the US midterms has sparked concerns among political analysts and observers, who fear that their covert tactics could sway the outcome of the elections.
Amidst the ongoing global political landscape, these consultants are said to employ a range of strategies, including social media manipulation, voter outreach, and data analytics.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, one of the leading consultants, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, "Our expertise in manipulating data and targeting specific voter groups is unparalleled. We are merely providing a service to our clients, who are the candidates and political parties."
Global Footprint of Indian Election Consultants
India's election consultants have been expanding their influence globally, using their expertise in data analytics, social media manipulation, and voter outreach.
- In Brazil, the consultants are believed to have played a role in shaping the outcome of the 2018 presidential election, which saw Jair Bolsonaro emerge as the winner.
- Similarly, in Colombia, their influence has been linked to the 2018 presidential election, which resulted in Ivan Duque's victory.
Their services have also been contracted by candidates in the Philippines, where they are said to have aided Rodrigo Duterte's successful bid for the presidency in 2016.
US Midterms and the Risks of Undeclared Influence
The involvement of Indian election consultants in the US midterms has raised concerns about the potential risks of undeclared influence on the outcome of the elections.
The consultants' tactics, which have been proven effective in India and other countries, could potentially sway the US elections, leading to questions about transparency and fair elections.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, a political analyst stated, "The use of data analytics, social media manipulation, and voter outreach tactics could significantly impact the results of the US midterm elections."
The consultants' activities in the US raise concerns about the potential impact on the election process and the transparency of the results.
As the world watches closely, the role of these consultants in the US midterms highlights the growing influence of foreign actors in domestic elections, raising questions about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
Al Jazeera has learned that the Indian consultants are reportedly working with a prominent US political party, using their expertise in data analytics, social media manipulation, and voter outreach tactics.
The involvement of these consultants in the US midterm elections raises concerns about the potential impact on the results and the transparency of the electoral process.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>