Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala stands on the cusp of a decisive political moment as counting of votes for the local body elections begins this morning, bringing an end to days of anticipation across the state. The process will commence at 8 a.m. with the counting of postal ballots, followed shortly by the tallying of votes from electronic voting machines. Initial trends from gram panchayat wards are expected to emerge by 8.20 a.m., while results from municipalities and higher-tier local bodies will be announced later in the morning, with comprehensive outcomes likely after 9.30 a.m.
Votes cast in as many as 1,129 local self-government institutions are being counted at 244 centres spread across all 14 districts of the state. The scale of the exercise reflects the importance attached to grassroots governance in Kerala, where local bodies play a crucial role in development planning and service delivery. Counting arrangements have been completed at block-level centres, panchayats, municipalities and corporations, under strict supervision of election officials.
This year’s elections witnessed a marginal decline in voter participation compared to the previous local body polls. The state recorded an overall turnout of 73.68 percent, lower than the 75.95 percent registered in 2020. In absolute numbers, more than 2.10 crore voters exercised their franchise. The elections were conducted in two phases, with the first phase on December 9 recording a turnout of 70.9 percent, and the second phase on December 11 witnessing a higher participation rate of 76.08 percent.
The first phase covered the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki, Kottayam and Ernakulam. The second phase saw polling in Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod. District-wise data revealed significant variations in voter enthusiasm, pointing to differing local dynamics and political engagement.
Wayanad emerged as the frontrunner in voter participation, registering the highest turnout in the state at 78.29 percent. Of its 6.47 lakh eligible voters, more than 5.06 lakh cast their votes. Malappuram followed closely with a turnout of 77.37 percent, while Kozhikode secured the third position with 77.27 percent polling. Kannur and Palakkad also posted strong participation, with turnout figures of 76.77 percent and 76.27 percent respectively.
At the other end of the spectrum, Pathanamthitta recorded the lowest voter turnout at 66.78 percent, highlighting a relatively subdued response from the electorate. Thiruvananthapuram also remained on the lower side with 67.78 percent turnout, while Kollam and Kottayam hovered just above the 70 percent mark. Mid-range participation was observed in districts such as Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Idukki, each reflecting steady but unspectacular voter engagement.
The counting process follows a strict protocol, beginning with postal ballots at the returning officer’s table, after which votes recorded in electronic voting machines will be counted. Only the control units of the machines are brought out from strong rooms, and each unit is placed on counting tables according to ward-wise serial numbers. For district panchayats, postal ballots are being counted at collectorates under the direct supervision of the respective district collectors.
As counting progresses, lead trends and final results will be made available through the official websites of the State Election Commission, allowing the public and political parties to track developments in real time. With fronts appearing fluid and margins expected to be tight in several regions, the outcome is keenly watched as an indicator of Kerala’s evolving political mood and the balance of power at the grassroots level.