Palakkad: Polling for the Palakkad byelection began early Wednesday morning, with over 1.9 lakh voters eligible to elect a new representative to the Kerala Assembly. The voting, which started at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm, follows a rigorous campaign period. A mock poll was conducted earlier at 5:30 am, and polling materials, including voting machines, were distributed the previous day.
The byelection was triggered by the resignation of Congress leader Shafi Parambil, who was elected to the Lok Sabha from Vadakara during the general elections. Among the ten candidates contesting, the main competition lies between Rahul Mamkootathil (UDF), P Sarin (LDF), and C Krishnakumar (NDA).
According to the Election Commission, 1,94,706 individuals are eligible to vote, comprising 1,00,290 women, 2,306 senior citizens aged above 85, 780 differently-abled voters, four transgender voters, and 2,445 first-time voters. Additionally, 229 expatriates are part of the electorate.
A total of 184 polling stations, including four auxiliary booths, have been set up, staffed by 736 officials. Special provisions such as ramps, drinking water, and toilets are available at all locations. Enhanced inclusivity is ensured with one polling station and nine model booths managed exclusively by women officers.
To ensure a fair process, webcasting is being conducted at all polling centres. Security has been bolstered, with central forces and local police deployed, particularly at seven sensitive polling centres and 58 vulnerable booths marked by the Election Commission.
