Kerala Assembly Elections 2026 LIVE | Kerala Records An Approximate 77.82 Per Cent Voter Turnout

The Election Commission of India (ECI) stated that approximate 77.82 per cent voter turnout was recorded in Kerala, where polling concluded at 6 PM. There was no major violence incident reported across the southern state. Counting of votes will take place on May 4, 2026. Now the fate of the candidates has been sealed.

There is a three-way contest between the ruling Left Democratic Front, the United Democratic Front and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Right since the morning, voters queued up in large numbers, and the trend continued till evening.

A massive voter turnout was seen in the Kerala Assembly polls. A voter turnout of 75.01 per cent was recorded till 5 PM, as per the Election Commission of India (ECI).

78.37 per cent of the voters exercised their franchise in the Alappuzha seat till 5 PM, as per the ECI. A voter turnout of 76.67 per cent was recorded in the Dharmadam constituency from where Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is seeking a re-election.

78.89 per cent voters exercised their right in the Paravur constituency from where Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan is contesting. A voter turnout of 73.86 per cent was recorded in Haripad constituency from where Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala is contesting.

Senior Congress leader and MP K Sudhakaran exercised his franchise at the Kizhunna South UP School, Polling Booth No. 157. A brisk voting is underway for the Kerala Assembly polls. Kerala Assembly Speaker and CPM leader AN Shamseer cast his vote at Polling Booth No. 74 in Kannur.

A voter turnout of 62.71 per cent was recorded in the Kerala Assembly elections till 3 PM, as per the Election Commission of India (ECI). 65.65 per cent of the voters exercised their franchise in the Alappuzha seat till 3 PM, as per the ECI.

A voter turnout of 63.60 per cent was recorded in the Dharmadam constituency from where Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is seeking a re-election. 66.48 per cent voters exercised their right in the Paravur constituency from where Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan is contesting.

A voter turnout of 60.93 per cent was recorded in Haripad constituency from where Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala is contesting.

"The election in Keralam has been very peaceful and very progressive. At this point in time, we have crossed around 40% of our polling percentage. Looking at the trend, we are very hopeful that we'll be able to reach our target of 90%. The polling started on time at 7 a.m., and at 6 p.m. we'll be closing the polling. It's very heartening to see people turning up in big numbers, said State Chief Electoral Officer, Rathan U Kelkar.

"We hope that we'll be able to meet our target. This time, the first-time voters have also turned out in big numbers. In our electoral roll, we have 4.6 lakh first-time voters," he added.

Puthuppally MLA Chandy Oommen on Thursday cast his vote in Kottayam as voting is underway for the Kerala assembly election, saying voters are backing Congress to seek justice for the alleged harassment of his father, Oommen Chandy.

Speaking to ANI, Oommen said, "When this government was in opposition, they carried out a witch hunt against my father. They are protecting the people who carried out the witch hunt. They did not take any action." "The CBI also concluded that my father was not guilty. Entire Kerala is voting against this government. Today is the day when my father will get justice by giving the Congress government to the state," said the son of the former Chief Minister of Kerala, who passed away in 2023. He came dressed in a black outfit to vote and was accompanied by his mother and sister.

Communist Party of India (CPI) State Secretary Binoy Viswam cast his vote in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, expressing confidence that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) is heading towards a mammoth victory.

Speaking to ANI, Viswam said we are getting reports that voters are pouring in to vote for LDF across the State.
"We will see the victory of LDF once more. LDF is heading towards a mammoth victory. All over the state, we are getting reports that voters are pouring in to vote for LDF...The unholy alliance between Congress and BJP in Kerala has to be defeated," said Viswam. He further appealed to the people to vote for LDF as it is the political force which will defend secularism and democracy.

"My appeal to the people is to vote for LDF as it is the hope and it is the political force which will defend secularism, democracy, federalism and stand for the poor in the country..." he said.

Senior Congress leader and Vattiyoorkavu constituency candidate K Muraleedharan on Thursday said there is a clear "desire for change" among voters after casting his vote at Jawahar Nagar LP School in Thiruvananthapuram during the ongoing Assembly elections. Pointing to long queues at polling stations in his constituency, Muraledharan remarked, "There is a queue of people here which indicates that people want change. I have been voting at this booth since 1979, and this is the first time I have had to wait for 20-25 minutes to cast my vote. We aim to win 100 seats."

Kerala registered a voter turnout of 49.7 per cent till 1 pm, according to the data provided by the Election Commission.

CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam cast his vote in Thiruvananthapuram.

CPI(M) MP John Brittas says, "It is clear that the Left Front is going to come back to power. There is an overwhelming response from the people... People are enthusiastic to participate in this democratic process. Left front government did an unparalleled performance this time..." On the Women's Reservation Bill, he says, "The left front has been championing for the women's reservation, and the PM should contemplate the delay that happened... The PM now just wants to rectify the shortcomings that the previous Bill had..." He further says, "There is no difference between the RSS and Jamat E Islami, because both are proponents of religious theocratic governance in the state and clap their hands together to ensure there is a polarisation, but the people of Keralam will not fall in this trap..."

“I don't think I can handle the stress”, said Malayalam actor Tovino Thomas when asked if he is mulling joining politics. The actor was speaking to the media after casting his vote in Irinjalakkuda in Thrissur.

Actor Mammotty and his wife Sulfath Kutty cast their vote at Christ King Convent in Kochi.

Voting percentage in the state at 11 am is 33.28%, according to Election Commission data. Palakkad district has logged the highest (34.05%) turnout while Kasaragod has logged the lowest (31.20%) so far.

BJP State Vice President, and Vattiyoorkavu constituency candidate R Sreelekha said, "I am confident that BJP will make a landmark victory in Kerala this time. This is the right time. The anti-incumbency is very high. People want NDA to come. Everywhere I go, I get a feeling that people are voting for NDA..."

"We are very confident that we are winning on more than 100 seats in the Assembly elections and forming an efficient government in Kerala. The people are tired of this current govt. Their 10-year rule was a misrule, and the Sabarimala issue is a major one. Narendra Modi has no relevance in Kerala," said senior Congress leader and party candidate from Haripad constituency, Ramesh Chennithala.

Former Chief Minister AK Antony says UDF will sweep Kerala this time. "It will be a historic victory for UDF. Anti-incumbency sentiment is evident," he said. He added that those who want the Left to survive will also vote for UDF.

"Election is a clear verdict of the people. People want to send off this present LDF Govt. UDF will have a clean sweep in Kerala. After the counting, UDF will form the Govt and LDF will sit in the Opposition. They will start discussing what went wrong for this miserable defeat...BJP is not a Kerala party; Kerala people don't like BJP...According to me, Pinarayi Govt's time is over. Hereafter, Pinarayi Govt will continue as a caretaker Govt," he added.

Governor Rajendra Arlekar cast his vote in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kerala assembly polls: Minister and Kalamassery LDF candidate P Rajeev casts a vote at Dr BR Ambedkar Training Centre.

After casting his vote, Congress MP KC Venugopal said, "Over the last two to three days, many revelations have come out. Therefore, I think the government is totally on the back foot. There is clear anti-incumbency against the Chief Minister and the government, and it is increasing day by day."

A voter turnout of 16.26% was recorded at 9 am as per the Election Commission data.

"False propaganda cannot defeat the LDF. We always trust the people, and the people trust us...We have travelled with the people for the last ten years, and that journey must continue. We are with the people, and the people are with us...Communal propaganda cannot defeat us," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said after casting his vote.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister and LDF Thrithala candidate MB Rajesh cast his vote in Palakkad. "LDF will come back to power with more seats. We are all set to create a new history," he said after casting vote.

"My dear sisters and brothers of Keralam, You have always stood for education, dignity, secular values, and social justice. You have shown the nation what progressive thinking truly means. Now, once again, the responsibility lies in your hands. Over the past years, you have faced rising unemployment, financial distress, and growing uncertainty. Farmers, plantation workers, youth, and small business owners have all asked a simple question: “Where is the relief? Where is the opportunity?” Kerala’s strength has always been its unity in diversity. Do not let division or distraction weaken that strength. I appeal to all to come out in large numbers and vote for a government that listens, cares, and delivers. Vote for justice. Vote for a better Keralam !," Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said in a post on X.

A foreign delegation comprising election officials and diplomats from multiple countries is currently in Kerala to witness the electoral process firsthand as part of the International Election Visitors’ Programme 2026 organised by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The programme has brought together 43 delegates from 23 countries, including representatives from five foreign missions based in New Delhi, in its first phase. In Kerala, delegates from at least nine countries are visiting key locations in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam to gain a comprehensive understanding of the election management system.

The visiting delegation includes representatives from countries such as Sierra Leone, Samoa, Seychelles, Albania, Namibia, Estonia, Georgia, Fiji and Kenya.

After casting his vote, Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly, VD Satheesan, said, "Everywhere there is a trend. Everywhere across the state, there are large queues, that is my information. The voting percentage will be high. It is a political fight, and people are aware what is happening. People of Kerala are very much politically aware."

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday morning cast his vote at Pinarayi RC Amala Basic Upper Primary School in Kannur

After casting his vote, the state BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, "Everything is important. Every voter must come out. Today, it is their duty, it is their fundamental right to come and express their opinion on the future of the state."

"To each one of you in Kerala, I say from the heart, you deserve a government that listens to you, understands your struggles, and works day and night for your well-being, not for itself, not for corruption, and not merely to stay in power, but to put you first. It is time to choose change. And UDF is that change," Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi said in a post on X.

Congress MP Hibi Eden, after casting his vote, said, "We expect that UDF is going to come back to power with a huge majority. UDF is going to have a landslide victory. The people are waiting for a chance to vote against the Left government. The corrupt Panarayi government is going to be removed with this election. People were, for the last 10 years, fed up with the government... We don't expect the BJP to open a single seat in the state of Kerala..."

State Congress president and Peravoor candidate Sunny Joseph casts his vote at a polling booth in Kannur.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi cast his vote at Guruvayur Devaswom English Medium School in Guruvayur South Part booth number 137.

Kerala LoP and Congress candidate from Paravur Assembly Constituency, VD Satheesan, casts his vote at the polling station in Kesari Government Arts and Science College in Ernakulam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday appealed to voters across the state to ensure massive participation in voting. In a post on X, he said," I call upon the people of Kerala to ensure massive participation in voting in the 2026 Assembly elections. Record participation will infuse energy into Kerala's democratic ethos. I particularly request the youth and women of the state to come forward and register their votes.

Polling for the Assembly elections has begun across Kerala. Over 2,6 crore electors will rush to poll stations on Thursday to decide the fate of 883 candidates across 140 assembly constituencies in Kerala and elect its 140-member Legislative Assembly in a high-stakes battle between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The voting in Keralam is being held in a single phase and will begin at 7 AM. The current Assembly's tenure ends on May 23.

Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar said that 1.46 lakh trained polling personnel have been dispatched to all the polling stations. For a smooth voting process, 30,471 polling stations have been set up, out of which 119 are logistic and voter machine distribution centres and 41 are vote counting centres. He also informed that FIRs in election-related activities have been registered against 180 people.

"As part of the arrangements for Kerala Assembly elections, we have the total electorate of 2.71 crores, and the service voters are 53,984... We will be counting the votes in 140 strong rooms and 43 locations. We have 1.46 lakh polling personnel who have been trained and will be dispatched to all the polling stations... We have FIRs against 180 people in terms of election-related activities, and more than 1,200 police teams are very actively working in the field... We are ensuring that all the new initiatives by the Election Commission are implemented properly," he told ANI on Wednesday.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi appealed to the voters of Kerala to vote for a future of jobs, dignity and opportunity. In a video message posted on X, he said, "Keralam has the talent. Keralam has the potential . What Keralam needs is a government with the vision to harness both. Tomorrow, vote for that Keralam. Vote for a future of jobs, dignity and opportunity. Vote for UDF."

Mock polling is underway as part of preparations for voting across the state.

The 140 seats are distributed across Kerala's 14 districts as follows:

• Malappuram: 16 seats
• Thrissur: 13 seats
• Kozhikode: 13 seats
• Thiruvananthapuram: 14 seats
• Ernakulam: 14 seats
• Palakkad: 12 seats
• Kollam: 11 seats
• Kannur: 11 seats
• Alappuzha: 9 seats
• Kottayam: 9 seats
• Kasaragod: 5 seats
• Idukki: 5 seats
• Pathanamthitta: 5 seats
• Wayanad: 3 seats

1. Manjeswaram: UDF's sitting seat, BJP is the close runner-up in the past two elections. BJP former state president K Surendran is again contesting. One of the BJP's hopefuls in Kerala.
2. Dharmadam: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is contesting.
3. Peravoor: KPCC president and sitting MLA Adv. Sunny Joseph is in a tight fight with CPIM central committee member and former minister K.K. Shylaja.
4. Beypore: DYFI former All India president and state minister for PWD and Tourism, PA Muhammed Riyas, is in a tight fight with LDF Ex MLA, PV Anvar, who joined TMC and is contesting on a UDF ticket.
5. Palakkad: Actor Ramesh Pisharody is contesting on a Congress ticket for UDF. One of the hopeful seats for the BJP in Kerala as Sobha Surendran, party General Secretary, is contesting.
6. Paravoor: Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan contesting on a UDF ticket.
7. Harippad: Former Home Minister and AICC Working Committee member Ramesh Chennithala is contesting here.
8. Ambalappuzha: Former minister and senior CPIM leader G. Sudhakaran, who left the party recently, is contesting as an independent with the support of UDF.
9. Nemom: Education Minister V Sivankutty, BJP State President Rajive Chandra Sekhar, and former MLA K Sabarinathan are contesting in this key seat.
10. Vattiyoorkkavu: Former minister K Muraleedharan, former DGP Sreelekha, former mayor and sitting MLA VK Prasanth are contesting.