Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Edamalakkudy in spotlight at Election Commission’s briefing

While the tribal panchayat was a point of focus during the press meet, the reality for residents remains difficult, with many having to trek four to five hours to reach a ballot box. “Many settlements are situated deep inside the forest with no proper road facilities. Tribal members often have to trek 10 to 20 kilometres to reach the nearest booth,” said a source.

K.P. Subash Chandran, writer of a book on the settlement, had previously submitted a petition to the Chief Election Commissioner and the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) ahead of the local body elections. The petition demanded insurance coverage for tribal voters who must travel through dense forests to vote. The CMO subsequently handed the petition to the District Collector and the Devikulam Subcollector for further action.

However, a reply was received only after the local body polls.

“The Subcollector, following the local body elections, submitted a report to the Collector stating that the government is ready to arrange facilities as directed by the State Election Commission,” said Mr. Chandran

“Voters in Edamalakkudy must travel through areas where wild elephants and other animals roam to reach the polling station. In the 2011 election, the State government had provided insurance for polling officials on duty in Edamalakkudy; I am seeking that same model of insurance for the voters,” said Mr. Chandran.

In February, Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U. Kelkar visited Edamalakkudy to review the progress of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll and encouraged the community to exercise their franchise in the upcoming Assembly election.