Malappuram 19,959 vs Wayanad 5,227: Kerala’s civic poll nomination map reveals stark contrasts

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala has recorded a high-voltage start to its local body election season, with 1,64,427 nomination papers filed across the state for the upcoming two-phase polls. The submission process wrapped up on Friday evening, marking a key milestone in one of India’s largest grassroots democratic exercises.

The elections will span 23,576 wards and divisions, covering municipal corporations, municipalities, gram panchayats, block panchayats, and district panchayats.

Among districts, Malappuram emerged on top with 19,959 nominations, while Wayanad logged the lowest at 5,227.

In total, 1,08,580 candidates are in the fray — including 57,227 women, 51,352 men, and one transgender candidate — underlining a steadily evolving demographic profile in Kerala’s local governance landscape.

Kerala will vote in two phases:

• December 9: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kottayam, and Ernakulam
• December 11: Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod

Counting of votes will take place on December 13, clearing the decks for the formation of new local bodies.

As per the updated voters’ list published by the State Election Commission on October 25, Kerala has 2.84 crore registered voters, who will choose candidates representing national parties, regional fronts, and independent groups.

Scrutiny of nominations is scheduled for November 22, while the last date to withdraw candidature is November 24.

With a surge in women contestants and an overall spike in participation across districts, this year’s local polls are expected to be vigorously contested.

The election is shaping up to be a triangular fight among the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Front, the Congress-led UDF, and the BJP-led NDA — setting the tone for the high-stakes Assembly elections due in April–May next year.