The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the Kerala Assembly elections, triggering the start of a high-stakes political contest in the state. Check full schedule here.
The counting of votes will be held on May 4
New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the Kelaram Assembly elections 2026, setting the stage for a key political contest in the southern state.
According to the poll body, voting will take place in a single phase on April 9, while the counting of votes will be held on May 4. With the announcement of the election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct has come into immediate effect across the state.
Election authorities said preparations for the polls have already been completed, including updating the electoral rolls and reviewing security arrangements.
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The Kerala Legislative Assembly has 140 constituencies, including 124 general seats, 14 reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and two reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST).
Election Commission PC Live: Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar says polling in Assam and Kerala will be held in a single phase on April 9, while the results will be declared on May 4.
#ElectionCommission #AssemblyElection #GyaneshKumar @ECISVEEP— Dynamite News (@DynamiteNews_) March 15, 2026
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that approximately 2.7 crore voters are expected to participate in the upcoming election. The term of the current Assembly is scheduled to end on May 23, 2026, after which a new government will be formed based on the election results.
With the election dates officially announced, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into effect immediately. The code regulates the conduct of political parties, candidates and government authorities during the election period to ensure a free and fair poll process.
Political parties are now expected to intensify campaign activities, including rallies, outreach programmes and candidate announcements.
In the previous Assembly elections held in 2021, the Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), retained power with a strong mandate.
The CPI(M) emerged as the largest party with 62 seats, while the Indian National Congress secured 21 seats as the main party within the United Democratic Front (UDF).
Several alliance partners also contributed to the LDF victory, while the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies failed to win any seats despite securing a share of the vote. With the new election schedule announced, political observers expect an intense contest as parties aim to shape the next government in Kerala.
