Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Friday appealed to all political parties to ensure that the upcoming Kerala Legislative Assembly polls are conducted in a manner that serves as a model for India and the world. Speaking at a meeting with senior leaders of recognised national and state parties in Kochi, he underscored the importance of upholding electoral integrity, transparency and peaceful conduct throughout the campaign and voting process.

Kumar, who is on a three‑day visit to the state to review poll preparations, reiterated confidence in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls that was recently completed in Kerala. He said most parties had commended the Election Commission of India (ECI) for the smooth and transparent manner in which the SIR was carried out, praising the role of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in the exercise.

During the meeting, representatives from parties including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and several regional outfits urged the ECI to adopt stringent measures to curb money power, liquor distribution and freebies during the election period — issues that have historically attracted scrutiny in competitive polls. Kumar assured that the commission remained committed to free, fair and impartial elections in accordance with the law.

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In addition to official engagements, Kumar also encouraged voters directly to participate in a voter awareness initiative, urging electorates to exercise their franchise “transparently and peacefully” when they cast ballots. As part of these outreach efforts, he took part in events with young and first‑time voters, including leading a Voters’ Pledge and distributing voter ID cards.

The 2026 Kerala polls, set to be closely watched for both their political significance and administrative handling, form part of a broader slate of assembly elections scheduled nationwide this year. Alongside Kerala, states and union territories such as Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry will also go to the polls, placing additional emphasis on the ECI’s operational planning and voter engagement strategies.

Kumar’s statements and the parties’ reception reflect a shared emphasis on maintaining high standards of electoral conduct, even as political competition intensifies, with authorities seeking to balance robust democratic participation with strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

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