Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has entered a crucial phase in its democratic exercise as the counting of votes for the 2025 local body elections commenced early this morning. Citizens, political parties, and election observers across the state are now focused on 244 counting centres and 14 district collectorates, where the meticulous task of tallying votes is underway. The process began with postal ballots, the first indicator of the election outcome, followed by votes recorded through electronic voting machines (EVMs), ensuring a comprehensive count for every ward, municipality, and panchayat.
Election authorities have emphasized the importance of accuracy and transparency in the process. Postal ballots, which often serve as early signals of voting trends, are being counted first under the supervision of returning officers and district collectors. Once completed, control units of the EVMs are brought from secure strongrooms and opened at counting tables according to ward-wise serial numbers. Each ballot is scrutinised to ensure precise tallying, reflecting the state’s commitment to a transparent and accountable electoral process.
The elections, held in two phases on December 9 and December 11, recorded varied voter turnout across the state. In total, over 2.10 crore voters participated in electing representatives to gram panchayats, block and district panchayats, municipalities, and municipal corporations. The first phase saw participation in districts including Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Idukki, Kottayam, and Ernakulam, while the second phase included Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod. District-wise voter engagement ranged from Wayanad’s high of 78.29 percent to Pathanamthitta’s low of 66.78 percent, highlighting the diverse political engagement across Kerala.
Political observers note that the election results for local bodies are being closely watched as a barometer of public sentiment ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections. Analysts suggest that the local body elections could provide critical insights into shifting political dynamics, particularly in districts where voter turnout and local issues may influence party performances. The anticipation is high, with many expecting tight contests and fluctuating leads in several wards.
The State Election Commission has provided live trend updates on official portals, enabling the public and political parties to track results in real time. The TREND portals – accessible via https://trend.sec.kerala.gov.in, https://lbtrend.kerala.gov.in, and https://trend.kerala.nic.in – are offering continuous updates, including lead positions and final results. Observers caution, however, that while early trends can indicate likely winners, official declarations are necessary to confirm results, particularly in close contests.
Election officials are operating under strict protocols to maintain order and fairness. Security personnel are deployed across counting centres to ensure smooth operations, while political party representatives are allowed to observe the counting process to uphold transparency. The counting of postal ballots for district panchayats is being managed at collectorates under the direct supervision of district collectors, while block-level centres handle municipal and gram panchayat counts.
State Election Commissioner A. Shajahan has appealed to the public and political stakeholders to exercise patience and maintain decorum, avoiding premature celebrations or speculations until the official results are announced. With counting underway and trends emerging, Kerala is set to witness the first concrete indicators of its 2025 local body elections a critical step in shaping the state’s grassroots governance landscape and providing early signals for the political narrative leading into the Assembly polls next year.
Kerala’s local body elections, often considered a reflection of the state’s political pulse, are more than just a vote tally; they indicate evolving voter priorities, the influence of local governance performance, and the potential trajectory of political alliances. As the day progresses, the eyes of the state remain fixed on the counting halls, waiting to see which parties and candidates will secure control across the diverse and politically active districts of Kerala.
This election, conducted across over a thousand local bodies with participation from millions of voters, reaffirms the state’s robust democratic ethos and the importance of local governance in shaping developmental agendas, civic services, and community welfare initiatives. The outcome of today’s counting is expected to have far-reaching implications for both local administration and the broader political landscape of Kerala.