Kerala is gearing up for its crucial local body elections, with the State Election Commission unveiling the polling schedule. Residents will cast their votes in two phases: December 9 and December 11. The results will be declared on December 13, marking the culmination of this significant democratic exercise.
The first phase on December 9 will cover southern and central districts, including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam. Voters in the northern districts of Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod will participate in the second phase on December 11.
These elections will span 1,199 local bodies across the state. Following a recent ward delimitation, the total number of wards has increased to 23,612 from the previous 21,900. Polling will be conducted in 23,576 wards, excluding those in Mattannur where the term is ongoing.
The nomination process begins soon, with the last date for filing applications set for November 21. Nominations will be scrutinized on November 22, and candidates can withdraw their candidature by November 24. To ensure a fair process, a special committee will monitor for misinformation. The final voter list will be available on November 14, and polling stations will be open from 7 am to 6 pm on both voting days.
