Thiruvananthapuram, November 10, 2025 — The State Election Commission of Kerala has announced that local body elections will be conducted in two phases on December 9 and 11, 2025. The polls will cover municipal corporations, municipalities, and panchayats across the state, marking a crucial democratic exercise to elect grassroots representatives for the next five-year term.
Phase I, scheduled for December 9, will include polling in selected districts across northern and central Kerala, while Phase II on December 11 will cover the remaining districts in the southern region. The bifurcation aims to ensure smooth logistical coordination and effective deployment of security personnel and election staff.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be used across all polling stations, with enhanced monitoring mechanisms including webcasting, GPS-enabled transport of election materials, and real-time reporting from control rooms. The Commission has also directed district administrations to ensure strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct, which came into effect immediately following the announcement.
Voter awareness campaigns are underway to encourage maximum participation, with special outreach targeting first-time voters, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. The Commission has assured that adequate arrangements will be made to facilitate accessible voting, including wheelchair support and priority queues.
Security arrangements are being finalized in coordination with state police and paramilitary forces to maintain law and order during the election period. Sensitive and hyper-sensitive polling booths will be identified for additional surveillance and deployment.
Final electoral rolls have been published, and nominations for candidates will open shortly. The results are expected to be declared within a week of polling, following counting at designated centers under strict supervision.
The Kerala local body elections are seen as a vital indicator of public sentiment ahead of the next legislative assembly polls, with major political parties gearing up for intense campaigning across urban and rural constituencies.
