LDF ahead in initial results, NDA in one seat

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The counting of votes that will decide the rulers of Kerala for the next five years has started. According to the initial results, the LDF has the upper hand. Ministers Veena George, K N Balagopal, and J Chinjurani are all leading.

Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan is leading in Kottayam and T Siddique in Kalpetta. K Surendran is leading in Manjeswaram.

The strong rooms where the voting machines were kept was opened at all the voting centers at 7 am. The rooms were opened in the presence of representatives appointed by the candidates at each place. The counting of votes began at 8 am at 140 centers in 43 places.

Postal votes were counted in the first half hour. The counting of votes then in EVMs began at 8.30 am. Postal votes will be counted in batches of 50 each on tables in the counting hall. QR code identity cards have been made mandatory for officials and political party representatives entering the counting centers. CRPF officials will check this before allowing them inside.

After each round of EVM counting, the results will be uploaded on the website www.results.eci.gov.in.