The Election Commission of India has received 2,125 nomination papers from 1,254 candidates for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, scheduled for April 9. The Chief Electoral Officer, Rathan U Kelkar, mentioned that the scrutiny of nominations is ongoing, followed by a withdrawal period. Kelkar stated that the final list of valid candidates will be published soon, with ballot printing to be completed within the next two weeks.
Highlighting the election preparedness, Kelkar informed that 1.75 lakh polling personnel have been randomized and trained. The Commission has introduced online training modules with certification for the first time, in addition to physical sessions. Special attention has been given to postal voting, especially for voters above 85 years old and those with over 40% disability.
Micro observers will be part of the teams to ensure transparency during the election process, with the presence of political party representatives. Essential service personnel have also been included in the postal ballot facility. To maintain law and order during the elections, 145 companies of CAPF, including Central Reserve Police Force units, will be deployed, with 30 companies already conducting area domination and vulnerability assessments.
Kerala will have 30,471 polling stations, all under enhanced surveillance, for the 2.71 crore electorate, which includes 273 third-gender voters and 53,984 service voters. Kelkar emphasized the strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, with surveillance teams, flying squads, and check-posts actively monitoring any violations. Addressing the controversy over the appearance of a BJP Kerala unit seal on official communication, Kelkar termed it a “serious lapse” caused by a mistakenly circulated document by a political party representative.
