Local body elections: Distribution of materials for first phase of polling begins; arrangements completed

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Distribution of materials for tomorrow's first phase of local body elections has begun, and they're being sent to the respective polling centres. The distribution began at 9 a.m. Once the officials collect the polling materials, they will reach their polling stations before 12 noon. Voting will be held tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. A mock poll will be conducted at 6 a.m. in the presence of candidates and their agents.

Election campaigning ended yesterday. This was the final day of campaigning for the first phase of the local body elections. Today is the silent campaign period. A total of 1.32 crore voters will cast their votes on Tuesday.

In the first phase, 15,432 polling booths are set up, and 36,630 candidates are contesting. Of these, 27,141 candidates are contesting in gram panchayats, 3,366 in block panchayats, 594 in district panchayats, 4,480 in municipalities, and 1,049 in corporations. Authorities have ensured facilities such as electricity, drinking water, resting areas, ramps, and proper queue arrangements at all polling stations. Special arrangements have also been made so that senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and those with physical difficulties do not have to stand in long queues.