Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Observers call for maximum voter participation

The general and expenditure observers have expressed their satisfaction with the comprehensive election preparations currently underway in Kollam district. This assessment was shared during a review meeting presided over by the District Election Officer and Kollam Collector, N. Devidas.

The observers noted that the preliminary arrangements are progressing in accordance with the established guidelines, reflecting a high level of preparedness for the upcoming polls.

During the session, the observers issued clear directives to the Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers, emphasising the need for absolute precision in following all legal and procedural formalities. They pointed out that the active support and coordination of Nodal Officers are fundamental to ensuring that the entire electoral process remains transparent, fair, and free of discrepancies.

The meeting served as a platform to streamline communication between the various departments involved in the election machinery.

Maximum turnout

Highlighting the democratic significance of the event, the observers reminded the officials that the ultimate goal is to make the festival of democracy meaningful by encouraging maximum voter turnout. They urged the administration to implement strategies that would bring as many people as possible to the polling booths.

The meeting was attended by a panel of election observers including S. Honnamba, Deepak Anand, Kuldeep Chaudhary, K. A. Dayananda, Anuradha Solanki, Jyotsna Devi, and Bhadane Sachin Gulabrao.

Meanwhile, the first phase of randomisation to select officials for polling duties has been successfully completed in the district. For the 2,256 polling stations across Kollam, a total of 13,540 personnel have been selected in this initial stage. This pool includes 3,385 Presiding Officers, 3,385 First Polling Officers, and 6,670 Polling Officers. The current selection accounts for a 50% reserve to ensure that the voting process remains uninterrupted under any circumstances.

Alongside the general selection, the authorities also conducted the randomisation process to identify personnel for pink polling stations, which are managed exclusively by women officials. Furthermore, the first phase of randomisation for micro-observers, who will be deployed specifically to sensitive or vulnerable booths to ensure heightened security and transparency, was also finalised during this session.

Women’s participation

The district is set to establish a total of 13 pink polling stations to encourage women’s participation. Among these, the Karunagappally constituency will feature three such stations, while all other constituencies in the district will have one pink polling station each. These booths are designed to provide a supportive environment for female voters and highlight the significant role of women in the electoral process.

Following the issuance of duty orders to the selected officials, the second phase of randomisation to determine their specific deployment will take place on March 29. The final and third phase of randomisation, which will assign each official to their designated polling booth, is scheduled for April 7.