KOCHI: People are casting votes for Thrikkakara by-election. Heavy polling has been going on in various booths since 7 am when polling started. A total of 16% voter turnout has been registered in the first three hours of the polls. All three major fronts express absolute confidence.

UDF candidate Uma Thomas registered her vote in the morning. She said the majority of the UDF will rise. LDF candidate Dr Jo Joseph also expressed confidence. NDA candidate A N Radhakrishnan said the BJP will spring a surprise.

Officials arrived at the booths just before 6 pm yesterday with the polling materials. By 9 pm all the arrangement in the booth were complete. The distribution of materials started at 8 am at Maharaja's College. District Collector Jafar Malik, also the district election officer, said all arrangements for the polls have been completed. Officers outside the constituency were deployed.

All officials including security at a booth are women. There are also five model booths. There are six postal votes and 83 service votes. Postal voting is only for those directly involved in the election. Service votes are for those serving in the armed forces and the ministry of foreign affairs.