Thiruvananthapuram: The first phase of Kerala’s local body elections registered a strong voter response, with the State Election Commission reporting 71 per cent polling across seven districts till 7 p.m., officials said on Tuesday.
Officials said they expected the final figure to touch 75 per cent after including late votes, reflecting robust public participation in grassroots democracy.
Ernakulam recorded the highest turnout at 74.21 per cent, while Pathanamthitta reported the lowest at 66.55 per cent. Thiruvananthapuram registered 67.1 per cent, Kollam 70 per cent, Alappuzha 73.58 per cent, Kottayam 70.68 per cent and Idukki 71.28 per cent.
Long queues were seen even after the official closing time, with election officials issuing tokens to those waiting in line to ensure all eligible voters could cast their ballots.
The impressive turnout sparked sharp political reactions. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan termed the trend a sign of a “historic advance” for the ruling Left Democratic Front. The Congress claimed the polling signalled the beginning of a power shift, while the BJP said Kerala was ready to rethink its political choices.
Campaigning in the remaining seven districts going to the polls on Thursday has now concluded, with rival fronts holding high-voltage finale rallies in a show of strength. Tension, however, flared in Onchiyam and Pookkottur, where clashes were reported, prompting heightened security and close monitoring by authorities.
With the first phase marked by high participation and intense political messaging, expectations are high for a decisive verdict in the remaining districts. In the 2020 local body polls, held under Covid-19 protocols, the ruling Left Democratic Front scored a sweeping win.
This time, after a blistering, no-holds-barred campaign, Saturday’s counting is expected to reflect a return to a hard-fought, high-stakes contest.
(Inputs from IANS)