The Election Commission of India on Sunday announced the schedule for the 2026 Assembly elections in five regions, including Kerala. According to the poll body, Kerala will go to the polls in a single phase on April 9, while the counting of votes will take place on May 4.
The announcement was made by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar during a press conference outlining the election plan for the upcoming state polls.
Kerala Set for One-Phase Polling
Kerala’s Assembly elections will be conducted in a single phase on April 9, setting the stage for an intense political contest among the state’s major parties. The results will be declared on May 4, along with the outcomes of the other poll-bound states and union territory.
The elections are expected to witness a closely watched battle as parties begin to ramp up their campaigns ahead of polling day.
Kerala’s Voter Strength and Polling Arrangements
According to the Election Commission, Kerala has around 2.7 crore registered voters who will be eligible to cast their ballots in the upcoming election.
The state will have 30,471 polling stations to ensure smooth voting across urban and rural areas.
Notably, 4.24 lakh new voters have been added to the electoral rolls, highlighting the participation of first-time voters in the democratic process.
Massive Election Deployment Across Five Regions
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said that the Election Commission has made extensive preparations to ensure smooth and transparent elections across all the poll-bound states.
More than 2.18 lakh polling stations will be set up across West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Over 25 lakh election officials will be deployed to manage the polling process.
He also highlighted that several model polling stations will be created and that women-managed polling booths and polling stations managed by persons with disabilities will be introduced to promote inclusivity.
Additionally, the Commission has announced 100% webcasting at polling stations to ensure transparency during the voting process.
Special Focus on Elderly and First-Time Voters
The Election Commission also highlighted the diversity of voters participating in the upcoming elections. According to the CEC, there are several centenarian voters (100+ years old) across the poll-bound regions, along with a large number of voters aged 85 years and above.
The Commission has also been actively engaging young and first-time voters through awareness campaigns under the SVEEP programme to encourage greater participation in the democratic process.
Election Schedule for Other States
Along with Kerala, the Election Commission announced poll dates for four other regions:
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Kerala – April 9 (single phase)
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Assam – April 9
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Puducherry – April 9
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Tamil Nadu – April 23
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West Bengal – April 23 and April 29 (two phases)
Results for all five elections will be declared on May 4.
EC Conducted Extensive Preparedness Review
Before announcing the schedule, the Election Commission conducted a multi-state review of poll preparedness.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, visited several poll-bound states and held meetings with political parties, district officials, and law enforcement agencies.
The Commission also reviewed reports from Chief Electoral Officers, Chief Secretaries, and Directors General of Police to finalise the polling schedule.
A Major Democratic Exercise
The Election Commission emphasised that the upcoming elections represent not only a democratic exercise but also the diversity and cultural richness of India, as the five regions represent different geographical and political landscapes.
With the poll schedule now announced, political campaigns are expected to intensify in Kerala as parties prepare for a high-stakes electoral contest.
Sofia Babu Chacko is a journalist with over five years of experience reporting on Indian politics, crime, human rights, gender issues, and stories about marginalized communities. She believes journalism plays a crucial role in amplifying unheard voices and bringing attention to issues that truly matter. Sofia has contributed articles to The New Indian Express, Youth Ki Awaaz, and Maktoob Media. She is also a recipient of the 2025 Laadli Media Awards for gender sensitivity. Beyond the newsroom, she is a music enthusiast who enjoys singing. Connect with Sofia on X: https://x.com/SBCism
