Thiruvananthapuram: The Left Democratic Front (LDF) face setback as the Congress-led UDF made strong comeback across panchayats, municipalities, and corporations. From Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram, the UDF is leading in key areas, including regions previously dominated by the LDF. The BJP has also gained ground, performing well in Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, retaining Palakkad and Thripunithura municipality, and expanding its presence across several panchayats. Despite campaigning on governance achievements and welfare measures, the LDF appears to be hit by Sabarimala gold theft and anti-incumbency sentiment. Controversies involving the UDF, including the Rahul Mamkootathil case, failed to translate into an advantage for the ruling front, which is losing ground even in areas it expected to hold comfortably.

The State Election Commission reported a robust combined voter turnout of 73.69% across both phases of polling. Female voters led the participation at 74.51%, followed by male voters at 72.76%, while transgender voters recorded 40.42% turnout. There were some issues at a few counting centres, including Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad and Vadakara, over giving entry to booth agents and candidates.

Newly elected members and councillors of local bodies whose terms end on December 20 are scheduled to take oath and assume office on December 21. In certain local bodies in Malappuram, separate dates have been set for oath-taking.

A look back: Kerala local body elections 2020

In the 2020 elections, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) secured a strong mandate across the state. Key highlights included:

Overall voter turnout: 76.2% (a 1.5% drop from 2015)

LDF: 40.2% vote share; won 514 grama panchayats, 108 block panchayats, 11 district panchayats, 43 municipalities, and 5 corporations

United Democratic Front (UDF): 37.9% vote share; won 321 grama panchayats, 38 block panchayats, 3 district panchayat, 41 municipalities, and 1 corporation

National Democratic Alliance (NDA): 15% vote share; limited gains with 19 grama panchayats and 2 municipalities.