Kerala set for civic poll verdict as counting starts at 8 AM

Kerala is gearing up for a crucial political moment as the results of the 2025 local body elections will be declared on Saturday. With over two crore voters participating across the state, the outcome is expected to set the tone for the high-stakes 2026 Assembly elections. The State Election Commission (SEC) has announced that counting will begin sharp at 8 am at 244 counting centres and all 14 district collectorates.

These civic polls, held in two phases, recorded the highest voter turnout since Kerala conducted its first local body elections in 1995. State Election Commissioner A Shahjahan said the enthusiastic response from voters reflected the significance of grassroots governance in the state.

According to SEC figures released around 9.30 pm on Thursday, the second phase registered an impressive 76.08 per cent turnout. The first phase, held on December 9, saw 70.91 per cent polling. This brought the overall voter turnout for the 2025 local body elections to a robust 73.69 per cent.

The election results will play a major role in shaping strategies of political parties and alliances as they prepare for next year’s assembly polls. Once the verdict is out, administrative formalities will follow. The oath-taking ceremony for newly elected panchayat members and municipal councillors is scheduled for December 21 at 10 am, while corporation councillors will take oath at 11 am the same day.