ECI to finalise Kerala election schedule; voting expected in April

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission is expected to announce the dates for assembly elections in five states, including Kerala, today or tomorrow. It is understood that the elections in Kerala will be held in the third week of April, following the Vishu and Easter celebrations, with results likely to be declared in the first week of May.

Having assessed election preparations across various states over the past few days, the Commission is prepared to finalise the schedule. With this in mind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expedited his rallies and the announcement of development projects in West Bengal and Assam. Given that the term of the West Bengal Assembly ends on May 7, polling is expected to conclude in April, with results likely declared in the first week of May.

It is anticipated that the number of polling phases in West Bengal and Assam will be reduced. In 2021, West Bengal held elections in eight phases, while Assam held them in three. Conversely, single-phase voting will continue for Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.