Thiruvananthapuram: The State Election Commission set the dates for the local body elections after considering a request from the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy to avoid a clash with the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), one of the state’s most prominent cultural events. 

The Commission indicated that Kerala values its cultural identity alongside its political processes, timing the elections so the internationally recognised festival can proceed without interruption.

Local body elections will be held on 9 December in the southern districts and on 11 December in the remaining districts. The International Film Festival of Kerala is scheduled for 12 to 19 December, maintaining its long-standing tradition of opening on the second Friday of December.

The Academy informed the Commission that preparations for the festival – including finalising film selections and inviting international delegates – were in the final stage, and requested that polling dates be arranged without disrupting the event.

State Election Commissioner A. Shajahan, who previously served as Deputy Director of the Chalachitra Academy and had a key role in organising the festival, took the request into account before finalising the poll schedule.