marathon
インドの選挙がなぜ長期に及ぶのかが書かれております。現在行われているインド総選挙は4月7日から5月12日（36日間）までの予定となっております。インドネシアやブラジルでは1日で終わるのになぜインドでは1ヵ月以上もかかるのでしょうか。記事の中では「管理上の理由」と書かれていました。
気になった単語は"marathon"です。『Wisdom第三版（三省堂）』では「長期間に及ぶ活動，長期間続く」などという意味がありました。「長期間続く総選挙」という訳だと考えました。"marathon"というと競技の「マラソン」を連想してしまいますが，長距離を走るスポーツから長期間続く活動とイメージできると思いました。（Ume）
Why does India's election take so long?
As India heads towards the eighth phase of its marathon general election on Wednesday, many are asking whether the world's largest democracy deserves such a protracted voting exercise.
For those not up to speed, India's 16th general election for its 543 parliamentary seats is currently being held in nine phases from 7 April to 12 May - at 36 days, it is the longest in the country's history.
The five-phase 2009 vote took about a month - this time there are almost double the stages but the process will not take that much longer. The higher number of phases is explained mainly by polling in 18 seats in smaller north-eastern states being staggered across three voting days because of "administrative reasons".
This is "an election without end" laments political analyst Jawid Laiq. India's drawn-out election, he argues, leads to several unintended consequences: campaigns become bitter and acrimonious and development work is on hold because of a model code of conduct for candidates and political parties. If vast and populous countries like Indonesia and Brazil can complete their elections in a single day, he asks, why can't India with its formidable election machinery?
