Image Source: The Economic Times

Agencies:

Second phase of local body polls gets underway in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram
December 10, 2020

The second phase of the local body polls which is crucial for the traditional fronts in Kerala- the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front, Congress-headed United Democratic Front and BJP-NDA- ahead of the crucial Assembly elections next year, got underway in five districts on Thursday.

A total of 98,57,208 voters including 51,28,361 women and 93 transgenders, would exercise their franchise to elect representatives for 8,116 wards of 451 local bodies in Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Wayanad districts.

There are 57,895 first-time voters and 265 non- resident Indians (NRIs) in these districts, according to the state Election Commission.

Two Corporations-Kochi and Thrissur, 36 municipalities, 350 village panchayats, 58 block panchayats and five district panchayats are among the local bodies where the second phase polling is being held.

Of the total 12,643 polling booths, 473 have been identified as sensitive and webcasting facility was arranged there, SEC said.

The Election Commission deployed 63,187 officials at polling stations while 19,736 police personnel were on duty for the smooth conduct of the polls.