The Election Commission of India on Sunday announced the schedule for Keralam Assembly polls, confirming that voting will be conducted in a single phase on April 9. The counting of votes will take place on May 4, determining the composition of the 140-member Legislative Assembly. The contest will see the ruling Left Democratic Front led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan seeking a third consecutive term after its decisive victory in 2021. Meanwhile, opposition parties, including the United Democratic Front, backed by the Indian National Congress and the National Democratic Alliance, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party, are preparing for an intense campaign across Keralam ahead of the crucial vote.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, the Left Democratic Front created history in Keralam by securing a second successive term in government. The alliance won 99 seats, comfortably defeating the United Democratic Front, which managed to capture 41 constituencies. The Bharatiya Janata Party failed to win any seat in that election, despite attempts to broaden its influence in the state. Voter participation remained significant, with turnout recorded at 74.06 percent. Earlier, in the 2016 Assembly elections, the Left Democratic Front had returned to power with 91 seats, while the United Democratic Front secured 47 seats in the 140-member House of Keralam.
The Bharatiya Janata Party had earlier made its first breakthrough in the Keralam Assembly during the 2016 polls by winning the Nemom constituency, marking a notable milestone for the party in the state. Voter turnout in that election stood at 77.35 percent. The upcoming contest is expected to witness a direct battle largely between the Left Democratic Front and the United Democratic Front, although the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance hopes to strengthen its presence and create three-cornered contests in several constituencies. Earlier this month, the Election Commission of India reviewed election preparedness and appointed central observers to ensure free polls.
Election Schedule for Keralam (All 140 Assembly Constituencies)
| Poll Events | Date and Day |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue of Gazette Notification | 16.03.2026 (Monday) |
| Last Date for Making Nominations | 23.03.2026 (Monday) |
| Date for Scrutiny of Nominations | 24.03.2026 (Tuesday) |
| Last Date for Withdrawal of Candidatures | 26.03.2026 (Thursday) |
| Date of Poll | 09.04.2026 (Thursday) |
| Date of Counting | 04.05.2026 (Monday) |
| Date Before Which Election Shall be Completed | 06.05.2026 (Wednesday) |