Preparations in full swing for 2026 Assembly polls in Kerala

Preparations for the 2026 Assembly elections are in full swing in the State. There will be 30,471 polling stations, while the number of counting centre locations have been increased to 41.

The information was presented at a meeting of political parties convened by Chief Electoral Officer (Kerala) Rathan U. Kelkar in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday. The election equipment will be distributed from 119 locations.

Senior officials of the Election Commission of India will assess the preparations on Sunday and Monday.

Training completed

According to the CEO, the first phase training of returning officers and assistant returning officers have been completed. On Friday, Mr. Kelkar also issued the guidelines pertaining to the green protocol to be followed during the campaign phase and conduct of the elections. Campaign banners, boards and hoardings manufactured from non-recyclable PVC flex, polyester, nylon and plastic-coated cloth are prohibited, according to the order containing the guidelines. Campaign materials made from government-approved products, 100% cotton or plastic-free paper or recycleable polyethylene can be used. They should display the PVC-free recycleable logo and details of the unit and the certificate number/QR Code issued by the State Pollution Control Board (PCB).

District Collectors have been instructed to make sure that only eco-friendly and recyclable materials are used in connection with the conduct of the elections. Political parties have been asked to avoid the use of disposables and plastic in conventions, roadshows, meetings and rallies held as part of the campaigns. District Collectors and District Police Chiefs have been directed to ensure that loudspeakers and public addressing systems are not used in a manner that causes noise pollution. The guidelines also prescribe green protocol measures to be followed at the polling stations.