THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The festivities of the election campaign have come to an end and today Kerala takes a break to get ready for the voting. As many as 2.74 crore voters will go to the polls tomorrow to decide the fate of 957 candidates in 140 assembly constituencies. After today's silent campaign, voting will take place tomorrow from 7 am to 7 pm on Tuesday. Voting ends at 6 pm at booths in Naxal-hit areas.

Coming after the campaign period, which was marred by political controversy and sharp allegations, is the most fiercely fought election in the history of the state. Twelve ministers, including the chief minister, and the Leader of the Opposition are in the fray as the LDF seeks to retain power, the UDF to seize power and the NDA to become the decisive force.

BJP state president K Surendran is seeking the public mandate in two constituencies.

Of the 40,771 booths in the state, 298 are in Naxal-affected areas in Palakkad, Malappuram, Kannur, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts. Central forces will be deployed in problematic booths, including in these areas. For this, 150 company Central Army has reached these places.

Double Vote: Webcasting in 60% of the booths

Webcasting has been introduced in 60 percent of the booths due to double vote issues. Braille slips will be distributed to visually impaired voters. Such a dummy ballot will be on the desk of the presiding officer at every booth. Visually impaired voters can try this. About 45,000 such dummy braille slips have been delivered.

Strict restrictions and heavy security have been put in place to prevent double voting. The fingerprint and photo of the person on the double vote list will be taken. The affidavit that the person will vote in only one place will also be asked of the individuals in the list. The voter can leave the booth after the ink on the finger dries.

The last hour for Covid patients

Covid patients can vote in the last hour of polling. Voters' body temperature will be checked at all booths. Those with excessive body temperature will be asked to wait and re-examined after one hour. If the temperature is still high, the7 can vote in the last hour.

Voters: 2,74,46,039

Women; 1,41,62,025

Males: 1,32,83,724

Polling booths 40,771

Candidates: 957

Voters under the age of 40: 1,10,84,540

Under 40 to 60 years: 1,06,24,402

Under 60 to 80 years: 51,15,033

Past 80 : 6,22,064