In Thiruvananthapuram on December 9, the State Election Commission reported that, as of 7 p.m., voters in Kerala’s local‑body polls had turned out at a rate of 71 % across seven districts. Officials said that once every ballot has been counted and late casts are tallied, the final figure should climb to roughly 75 %.
Ernakulam topped the list with a 74.21 % turnout, demonstrating robust enthusiasm in both urban and semi‑urban areas, while Pathanamthitta lagged behind at 66.55 %. Other districts reported steady engagement: Thiruvananthapuram at 67.1 %, Kollam at 70 %, Alappuzha at 73.58 %, Kottayam at 70.68 % and Idukki at 71.28 %.
Even after polling hours ended, queues still formed outside many booths. To keep every eligible voter in the process, election officers handed out tokens to those waiting, allowing them to cast their ballot without delay.
The high turnout sparked intense reactions from political parties. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hailed the trend as a “historic advance”, signaling confidence within the ruling Left Democratic Front. The Congress leadership, on the other hand, saw the turnout as the first hint of a shift in power, while BJP figures suggested that Kerala’s political direction might be reshaped.
With the initial phase behind them, the remaining seven districts are preparing for Thursday’s voting. Parties wrapped up their campaigns with spirited last‑day rallies, turning the final day of outreach into a lively contest of mobilisation. However, the atmosphere was not without tension, as reports of clashes in Onchiyam and Pookkottur prompted authorities to increase security and monitor the situation closely.
The strong voter participation and sharp political signals in the first phase are raising expectations for a decisive mandate as the remaining districts go to the polls. In 2020, the Left Democratic Front had swept the local elections amid COVID‑19 restrictions; this time, the campaign has been far more vigorous, and the Saturday count is expected to reveal a return to a hard‑fought, high‑stakes contest.
sg/khz
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