Kerala Local Body Elections Conclude with Over 75% Turnout; Counting to Begin Saturday
Kerala’s two-phase local body elections concluded on Thursday, marking the end of a crucial electoral exercise ahead of next year’s Assembly polls. After the southern districts voted earlier this week, seven northern districts — Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod — went to the polls on December 11. Preliminary figures indicate that turnout has crossed 75 percent, slightly higher than the first phase, with the final tally expected by early Friday.
Polling took place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. across all 14 districts. The State Election Commission confirmed smooth conduct overall, with only scattered incidents reported. Political tensions persisted, however, as leaders continued verbal sparring despite the close of campaigning. Minister K. Rajan likened the election to a “sample fireworks show,” stating that the bigger battles lie ahead, signalling intensifying political competition as Kerala moves toward Assembly elections.
State Election Commissioner A. Shajahan announced that counting will be held on Saturday across 244 centres. Ballot boxes will be secured in district-level strong rooms before being moved to counting stations. Votes for grama, block and district panchayats will be tallied at block-level centres, while results for city corporations will be counted within their respective urban limits. Counting will begin early, with Returning Officers opening ballot boxes before moving to Electronic Voting Machine tallies.
The day also saw unexpected political drama. First-time MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who had been absconding for 15 days, arrived at his Palakkad polling booth around 4.45 p.m. to cast his vote. His appearance came shortly after securing bail in two sexual assault cases, drawing widespread attention.
With polling complete, Kerala now awaits results that will shape the political mood for the months ahead.
OUR THOUGHTS
The conclusion of Kerala’s local body elections marks more than just the end of a two-phase polling process — it sets the stage for shifting political equations in a state known for its high civic engagement and dynamic political landscape. A turnout crossing 75 percent reaffirms Kerala’s strong grassroots participation, and Saturday’s results will provide early indicators of public sentiment ahead of next year’s Assembly elections. At the same time, the dramatic appearance of MLA Rahul Mamkootathil underscores how political narratives can shift rapidly in the state’s charged climate. As counting begins, Kerala’s political establishment and voters alike brace for outcomes that may influence alliances, strategies and governance priorities in the months to come.