Election Commission of India delegation reviews election preparations in Kerala

The preparations and logistical and administrative requirements for the seamless conduct of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections were reviewed by a high-level delegation from the Election Commission of India (EC) in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday.

​The EC delegation, led by Senior Deputy Commissioners Pawan Kumar Sharma and Maneesh Garg, along with Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Kumar and Media Director General Ashish Goyal, held discussions with the Chief Electoral Officer (Kerala), State Police Nodal Officer, District Collectors and District Police Chiefs.

​The EC team evaluated the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll and other preliminary activities undertaken by the District Election Officers and the police. Addressing the officials, the EC representatives issued specific directives to ensure a flawless and transparent electoral process. ​Highlighting Kerala’s long-standing tradition of peaceful and non-violent polling, the commission emphasised the need to maintain these high standards.

At Monday’s meeting, CEO (Kerala) Rathan U. Kelkar explained the preparations in the State for the smooth conduct of the elections. H. Venkatesh, State Police Nodal Officer, briefed the EC delegation on the law-and-order measures.

The delegation directed enforcement agencies to strengthen the operations to curb the flow of illicit liquor, cash and narcotics. The commission mandated the real-time recording of all seizure proceedings to ensure accountability. ​

The delegation also met the Chief Secretary, the Home Secretary and the Secretary of the General Administration department.