2,125 Nominations Filed By 1,254 Candidates For Kerala Assembly Elections
1,254 candidates file 2,125 nominations; Kerala polls prepare with security and postal ballots in place.
The office of the Election Commission of India has received 2,125 nomination papers from 1,254 candidates ahead of the Kerala Assembly elections scheduled for April 9, Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar said on Tuesday. The elections will decide 140 new legislators for the state.
Scrutiny of nominations is currently underway, followed by the withdrawal period. “The final list of valid candidates will be published thereafter, and ballot printing will be completed within the next two weeks,” Kelkar said, highlighting preparations to ensure smooth polling.
Poll preparedness includes training and randomization of 1.75 lakh polling personnel. For the first time, the Commission has introduced online training modules with certification alongside physical sessions. Special attention has been given to postal voting, particularly for voters above 85 years of age, persons with over 40% disability, and essential service personnel. Micro observers will accompany teams to maintain transparency, with political party representatives present at polling stations.
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To ensure law and order, 145 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), including units from the Central Reserve Police Force, are being deployed across Kerala, with 30 companies already conducting area assessments and security operations. The state will have 30,471 polling stations, all under enhanced surveillance. The total electorate stands at 2.71 crore, including 273 third-gender voters and 53,984 service voters.
Strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct is underway, with surveillance teams, flying squads, and check-posts actively monitoring potential violations. Kelkar addressed a controversy involving the appearance of a BJP Kerala unit seal on an official communication, calling it a “serious lapse.” He clarified that the document, mistakenly circulated by a political party representative, was immediately withdrawn, a corrected version issued, and disciplinary action—including suspension—initiated pending inquiry.
Kelkar urged the public to rely on official communications and avoid misinformation as the state prepares for one of its most closely watched electoral contests in recent years. The combination of rigorous security measures, enhanced training, and oversight aims to ensure a transparent and orderly election process across Kerala.
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