Kerala Assembly Elections 2026 Voting Live Updates: Voting Begins Across 140 Constituencies, LDF vs UDF vs BJP in High-Stakes Battle
Kerala Assembly Elections 2026 Voting Live Updates: Kerala Assembly Elections 2026 are all set for high-stakes polling on Thursday, April 9, with voting scheduled from 7 am to 6 pm across all 140 constituencies in a single phase. More than 2.7 crore voters, including over 1.39 crore women, 1.32 crore men, and 273 transgender voters, are eligible to cast their votes.
The election also includes over 2.42 lakh overseas voters, showing the large scale of the polling process, as per the Election Commission of India.
In Kerala, the election is shaping as a three-way battle between the BJP, the ruling LDF is aiming for a third consecutive term after completing 10 years in power, while the UDF is looking to make a comeback, backed by its strong performance in the 2025 local body elections.
Meanwhile, the BJP-led NDA is trying to expand its presence in the state after gaining momentum in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and its performance in the Thiruvanathapuram Municipal Corporation.
According to the Election Commission, voting will be held from 7 am to 6 pm in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. Tight security arrangements have been put in place to ensure smooth and peaceful polling. Polling teams have already been given all the necessary materials, including Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), ahead of the voting day.
Kerala Political History: Kerala has traditionally seen a direct political fight between the CPI(M)- led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). But in the 2026 Assembly election, the BJP-led NDA has also emerged as an important contender in the state’s political battle.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF is trying to win a third straight term in power, while the UDF is aiming to make a comeback. At the same time, BJP-led NDA is hoping to use this election as a major chance to strengthen its presence in Kerala politics.
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After casting his vote in Aranmula, Baselios Marthoma Mathews III said voters ultimately decide the outcome, adding that people are aware of key issues like FCRA and will factor them in while voting.
Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar said the ongoing Assembly poll trends indicate voter turnout could reach 90%, urging people to continue participating in large numbers.
Voter turnout in Kerala reached 62.71% till 3 pm, indicating a strong participation trend in the ongoing Assembly elections.
During the ongoing Kerala Assembly elections, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar cast his vote at a polling booth in Jawahar Nagar, Vattiyoorkavu constituency.
He appealed to voters across the state to turn out in large numbers and exercise their democratic right, describing it as a “sacred duty.” Expressing optimism, he said he hopes capable leaders will be elected and the government the people desire will come to power.