Kerala has delivered a verdict that seems to ensure the LDF will secure a historic third consecutive term in power. Despite having the shortest campaign period in recent history, the political heat surpassed even the mid-summer blaze. This is evident from various surveys, assessments, and the reactions of those who visited the polling stations. Drawing from the experience of ten years of growth and development after moving past "darker times," the people asked a simple question: "Why should this government change?"

According to figures released late at night by the Election Commission, 78.13% of voters exercised their franchise. For comparison, the polling percentage was 74.06% in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic and 77.35% in 2016. This marks the third-highest voter turnout in the history of the state.

This is the first election following the SIR. While there were 2,74,45,311 voters in 2016, the number decreased to 2,71,42,952 this time. Polling took place across 30,495 booths on Thursday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Long queues were seen at booths early in the morning, and by noon, polling had crossed 50% in nearly half of the constituencies. It surged again by evening.

The highest polling was recorded in at Kozhikode (80.22%) while the lowest was in Kottayam (74.35%).

The election was largely peaceful with no major incidents of violence. However, in Mayyil Arimbra of the Taliparamba constituency, a CPI(M) worker Prakashan was stabbed and injured by Congress workers. In the Uduma constituency, B M Jamal, the chief agent of the UDF candidate, was apprehended by the police for entering a booth wearing glasses equipped with a hidden camera. Although southern Kerala experienced light rain in the evening, it did not affect the polling.

The High Court is scheduled to consider a petition on Friday regarding a large section of election officials who were unable to vote. The NGO Union, which filed the petition, pointed out that 21,156 people could not cast their votes. The total percentage is expected to rise once they are given the opportunity.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accompanied by his family, cast his vote at Booth No. 194 of the RC Amala Basic UP School in Pinarayi. Governor Arv Arlekar voted at Jawahar Nagar School in Thiruvananthapuram, and CPI(M) leader M A Baby cast his vote at the District Education Office in Statue.

LDF victory will mark a beginning: M A Baby

CPM General Secretary M A Baby told the media that an LDF victory will mark the beginning of significant new changes. Reforms with greater depth and scope will be implemented, and a knowledge economy will be created. He stated that this will be a favourable verdict for the creation of a New Kerala. M A Baby added that the new LDF government will move forward by correcting any unintentional shortcomings that may have occurred.

He noted that a massive public movement in favour of the LDF is currently underway, that the LDF government, led by Pinarayi Vijayan, which has completed ten years, will return to power with increased public support. Once the LDF secures a majority, the leadership will deliberate and select the most qualified individuals for the Chief Minister's post. He clarified that this decision will not be based on gender considerations.

Furthermore, he remarked that it is a disgrace to Kerala that the Congress misappropriated funds collected in memory of the deceased in regard to the Wayanad rehabilitation. M A Baby added that there is a strong anti-UDF sentiment prevailing in Kerala.

Pinarayi expresses gratitude to all voters

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his heartfelt gratitude and greetings to all the voters who exercised their valuable right to franchise in the Assembly elections. “Let us move forward together for a New Kerala, the Chief Minister wrote on social media.

Though only a very short campaign period was available this time, the enthusiasm of the political workers who worked tirelessly, ignoring even the intense summer heat, is noteworthy. The people who arrived at polling booths despite the adverse weather conditions are a true reflection of Kerala's high democratic consciousness and deep commitment to the land. This massive public participation is extremely commendable.

It is a significant achievement that the polling could be completed in a completely peaceful manner without any untoward incidents anywhere in the state. Special appreciation goes to everyone who worked at various levels to successfully implement this massive process, including the election officials who worked day and night, the police and central forces who provided security, health workers, and volunteers. "Heartfelt greetings once again to Kerala's democratic spirit and public participation," the Chief Minister said.