The Lok Sabha (also titled the House of the People, by the Constitution) is the directly elected lower house of the Parliament of India. As of 2008 there have been fourteen Lok Sabhas elected by the people of India. The Constitution limits the Lok Sabha to a maximum of 552 members, including no more than 20 members representing people from the Union Territories, and two members to represent the Anglo-Indian community (if the President feels that that community is not adequately represented).
Each Lok Sabha is formed for a five-year term, after which it is automatically dissolved, unless extended by a Proclamation of Emergency which may extend the term in one-year increments.
Phase 1 of Lok Sabha Elections 2009 begins on Phase 1 - April 16