Kerala Election Results 2026: LDF Eyes Rare Third Term, UDF Pushes For Comeback

Kerala Election Results 2026: Kerala’s political fate will be decided on Monday as counting of votes begins for the April 9 Assembly elections, bringing to a close a closely fought and high-stakes contest between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The outcome is being closely watched as all three fronts look to either retain power, return to government, or expand their political footprint in the state’s evolving electoral landscape.

Kerala recorded a voter turnout of 79.63 per cent, with 2,71,42,952 electors casting their votes across 140 Assembly constituencies. A total of 883 candidates were in the fray, making it one of the most competitive

electoral contests in recent years.

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Counting Arrangements

The office of the Chief Electoral Officer has confirmed that all preparations for counting have been completed. Counting will begin at 8 am on Monday across 140 counting centres spread over 43 locations in the state.

A total of 15,464 personnel have been deployed for the exercise, including returning officers, additional returning officers, micro observers, counting supervisors, and counting assistants. Postal ballots, which account for 1.36 per cent of votes, will be taken up first, followed by EVM counting in multiple rounds.

Strongrooms housing Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and VVPAT units will be opened in the presence of Election Commission observers, security personnel, and authorised representatives of candidates. Officials said up to 14 polling stations’ results will be counted in each round, with a clear picture expected by afternoon.

To ensure security, 25 companies of central forces have been deployed along with state police personnel. Surveillance has also been strengthened across the state to prevent any post-poll incidents.

ALSO READ: Kerala Poll Of Exit Polls 2026: Congress-Led UDF Set For Return To Power After A Decade

High-Stakes Political Battle

Exit polls have largely indicated a close contest, though several projections have given a slight edge to the Congress-led UDF. For the UDF, which has been out of power since 2016, the election is being viewed as a decisive opportunity for a comeback, with internal discussions already emerging over a possible chief ministerial candidate.

The ruling LDF is aiming for a third consecutive term, banking on its governance record and welfare measures, though it may fall short of its 2021 tally of 99 seats. The front expects a competitive outcome in the range of 75–80 seats.

For the BJP-led NDA, the election is seen as a critical test of its growth in Kerala. While not projected to form the government, the alliance is targeting a significant increase in vote share, building on gains seen in recent national and local polls.

(With inputs from PTI)