Thiruvananthapuram: Campaigning for the first phase of Kerala’s local body elections ended on Sunday evening, with the Election Commission completing arrangements for polling in seven districts scheduled to vote on December 9, amid high political stakes and intensified party battles.

Roadshows, bike rallies and foot marches, along with drum beating and dancing, dominated the last day of open campaigning across the seven southern districts. Party workers gathered at local junctions, waving flags and raising slogans in support of their candidates.

In several areas, candidates addressed voters from atop earthmovers and cranes, adding to the high-visibility campaigning.

District-wise polling schedule

The first phase of voting will be held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam on Tuesday.

In the second phase, voters in Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, Wayanad and Kasaragod will cast their ballots on December 11 (Thursday).

Voter and candidate numbers across Kerala

According to the Election Commission, 1,32,83,789 voters are eligible to decide the fate of 75,632 candidates contesting in 23,576 wards across the state in two phases.

Results for all 1,199 local bodies are scheduled to be announced on December 13. All three major political fronts have expressed confidence in securing the maximum number of seats.

High-stakes contest ahead of Assembly elections

Unlike previous LSGD polls, this election witnessed intense competition among traditional political rivals, with the contest viewed as crucial ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

The CPM-led LDF highlighted government development and welfare initiatives. The Congress-led UDF focused on allegations of corruption and misgovernance. The BJP campaigned on promises of development and infrastructure projects and cited potential central support.

Controversies impact major fronts

The Sabarimala temple gold loss case, in which CPM leader and former Travancore Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar was arrested, created challenges for the LDF.

Allegations of rape and forced abortion against Palakkad MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, followed by police cases, caused setbacks for the UDF, and the Congress later expelled him from primary membership.

Reports of internal disagreements and local issues emerged as concerns for the BJP during the campaign.

Election Commission directions and preparedness

Earlier, State Election Commissioner A Shajahan directed political parties to ensure that campaign-ending events did not obstruct public movement or cause inconvenience.

He also visited the election materials distribution centre at Mar Ivanios College in Thiruvananthapuram to review poll preparations.