Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala is preparing for its local body elections, with voting scheduled to take place in two phases on December 9 and 11, followed by counting of votes on December 13. The announcement was made by State Election Commissioner A Shajahan during a press conference.

The first phase of polling will be held in districts from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam, while the second phase will cover Thrissur to Kasaragod. Polling will take place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a mock poll conducted one hour before voting begins.

This major democratic exercise will cover 1,199 local self-government institutions, including 941 gram panchayats, 152 block panchayats, 14 district panchayats, 87 municipalities and six corporations. In total, there will be around 23,576 wards and 33,746 polling stations across the state.

The state’s final voter list includes over 2.84 crore registered voters. In rural areas, each voter will be able to cast three votes—one each for the gram panchayat, block panchayat and district panchayat. In urban areas, each voter will have one vote for their ward.

Candidates can submit nomination papers from November 14 to 21. Around 1,249 returning officers will oversee the election process, supported by about 70,000 police personnel to ensure smooth and secure polling.

The State Election Commission has also said that the model code of conduct is now in force, applying to all parties and candidates, as well as to the media. The commission has warned against the spread of fake news and misuse of artificial intelligence during the election period.

This election is expected to be a major test for the three main political fronts in Kerala the Left Democratic Front, the United Democratic Front and the National Democratic Alliance. The outcome will be closely watched as an indicator of public sentiment ahead of future state and national elections.