Kerala Local Body Polls: A Strategic Political Prelude

Vote counting for Kerala's local body elections has begun, with initial trends showing leads for the LDF, UDF, and NDA in various wards. Issues such as booth entry disputes have arisen. The results are crucial for political strategies ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. Oath ceremonies are scheduled for December 21.

The counting of votes cast in Kerala's local body elections commenced at 8 am, spanning over 1,199 local bodies. It marks a significant step in regional politics, with results eagerly anticipated by all major parties.

Initially, postal ballots were processed, followed by votes from electronic voting machines (EVMs). Early trends indicated leads for the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) across various panchayat, municipal, and corporation wards.

Counting is happening at 244 centers including 14 district collectorates. Issues about booth agent entry were reported from some centers. The results are set to influence political campaigns ahead of Kerala's 2026 assembly elections. The elected representatives will take their oaths on December 21.

(With inputs from agencies.)