Photos: The expectations of India’s tribal women from 2019 Lok Sabha polls

Women from different tribal regions across states in India were interviewed and asked about their idea of elections and the role of governments in the lead up to 2019 Lok Sabha elections by the Associated Press. They speak about their expectations and requirements that they'd want from the government that eventually comes to power after May 23. ...read more

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A Karbi tribal woman Among Kleng, 62, poses for a photograph at a market near Guwahati. Kleng said that no elected leaders listen to their problems but she had cast her vote in the hope of a better future. Combined, India's tribals total more than 100 million people. But they are scattered among hundreds of communities, and are often poorer and less educated than the people around them. (Anupam Nath / AP)

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A Gaddi tribal woman Nirmala Devi, 45, weeds her barley field in her village in Naddi, near Dharmsala, in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. For years they’ve been told about the power they can wield with their votes, and how elections can bring so much change to this sprawling, often-chaotic nation. But few of these women, marooned at the fringes of Indian society, believe such talk anymore. Nirmala said that she will vote but has little expectations from politicians who never keep their campaign promises. (Ashwini Bhatia / AP)

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Padumi Miri, 32, a Mishing tribal woman feeds her pig in the river island of Majuli, in the northeastern Indian state of Assam. Miri said she does not know why she had cast her vote nor had she ever seen a political leader in her life. She only knew that she needs to vote every five years. For many tribal women, elections have become little more than another chore. (Anupam Nath / AP)

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An indigenous Naga tribal woman Tungshang Ningreichon holds a Naga flag in New Delhi. Ningreichon, a longtime rights activist, said she believes the election “affects every part of our lives. The leaders that we choose would greatly impact how we put the idea of peace, justice and democracy into practice.” (Manish Swarup / AP)

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A Karbi tribal woman Lisia Ingti, 50, near Guwahati said she does not believe in exercising her franchise because the people in her village do not even have basic rights. There are no school teachers and no road connectivity that can enable them to reach a polling station. She did not cast her vote in the ongoing general elections. (Anupam Nath / AP)

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An Adi tribal woman Kinya Bagra, 33, poses for a photograph in Along, Arunachal Pradesh. Bagra said she voted for the development of her village. She hopes the newly elected leader will provide free education for women. (Anupam Nath / AP)

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An Adi tribal woman Kargep Yao, 36, poses for a photograph in Along, in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Yao said that she will cast her vote for a better future, development and security for women. (Anupam Nath / AP)

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A Khasi tribal woman Lona Syngkli carries firewood in a basket swung around her head in Nongpoh, in Meghalaya state. As women, these voters already face immense hurdles in a nation where women are often relegated to second-class roles. Syngkli said she knew nothing about politics but had cast her vote because her husband told her to. (Anupam Nath / AP)