Heavy voter turnout in phase 2 local body polls; 78.3 per cent recorded in Wayanad district

KOZHIKODE: The second phase of local body elections recorded heavy voter turnout in the state. Voting was held today in Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod districts of North Kerala. The voting began at 7 am and ended at 6 pm. Compared to the first phase, the second phase recorded higher voter turnout. According to the latest figures from the Election Commission, 73.69 per cent polling was recorded.

The highest turnout was in Wayanad district, which is 78.3 per cent. The lowest in Thrissur district. 72.27 per cent. Malappuram 77.43 per cent. The district-wise turnout was 77.26 % in Kozhikode, 75.73% in Kannur, 76.27 in Palakkad, and 74.86 % in Kasaragod.

In the first phase of elections held on December 9, seven southern districts went to the polling booths. With this, the local body elections in Kerala came to an end. The counting of votes will be held on Saturday.

Vote counting to begin at 8 am

The counting of votes will start at 8 am on Saturday in 244 centres. Initial trends are expected within half an hour. By noon, counting in most wards will be completed. Counting for panchayats will take place at the block panchayat centres, while municipal and corporation votes will be counted at their respective centres. Postal ballots for district panchayats will be counted at the collectorates.