Kerala Begins Peaceful Local Body Elections Amidst Rigorous Preparations

The first phase of Kerala's local body elections commenced on Tuesday across seven districts, marked by a peaceful polling process. The elections will occur in two phases, covering 1,199 of 1,200 local bodies. Preparations implemented include EVM distribution, with the counting slated for December 13.

The two-phased local body elections in Kerala kicked off on Tuesday morning, with seven districts witnessing a peaceful start, according to State Election Commissioner A Shajahan. Early polling figures noted a 7.7 percent turnout in Thiruvananthapuram, 7.9 percent in Kollam, and nine percent in Kochi.

Polling is taking place across a three-tier panchayat system, including gram panchayats, block panchayats, municipalities, and corporations. Despite an incident where polling was discontinued in Vizhinjam due to a candidate's death, arrangements for a seamless voting process have been lauded by the commission.

A total of 1,199 local bodies are set for elections on December 9 and 11, with counting scheduled for December 13. The elections have 75,643 candidates contesting for 23,576 wards, with the first phase accounting for 11,168 wards. Necessary polling resources, such as EVMs, have been distributed efficiently.

(With inputs from agencies.)