Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has entered the final stage of its election process as campaigning ended on Wednesday ahead of voting scheduled for April 9. The state is now observing the silent period, a mandatory pause in public campaigning that allows voters to reflect before casting their votes.
All political rallies, public meetings and media campaigns have been stopped as per election rules. However, candidates are allowed to continue limited personal outreach such as meeting voters directly without large gatherings.
Polling will be held in a single phase across all 140 constituencies in the state. Voting will begin at 7 in the morning and continue until 6 in the evening. Officials have said that voters who are in queues at closing time will still be allowed to vote.
More than 27 million people are expected to take part in the election. Authorities have made extensive arrangements to ensure smooth and peaceful polling. Security has been tightened in sensitive areas, and polling stations are being closely monitored.
The election is mainly a contest between the ruling Left Democratic Front led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Congress led United Democratic Front, and the Bharatiya Janata Party led National Democratic Alliance. The ruling front is aiming for another term, while the opposition is hoping to gain from public concerns and anti incumbency sentiment.
Campaigning in the past weeks focused on development, welfare schemes and governance. Opposition parties also raised issues related to administration and accountability.
The Election Commission has also put restrictions in place, including a ban on exit polls during the voting period to ensure fairness.
Counting of votes will take place in early May, when the final results will decide the next government in Kerala.