Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: From first votes to protests: polling day snap shots from coastal constituencies of Kochi and Vypeen in Ernakulam

Salim, 36, who ekes out a living through miscellaneous jobs, had a more critical task to perform on Thursday (April 9, 2026) morning.

A well-built man, his physique bearing testimony to the rigours of daily labour, Salim took pride in being the first to cast his vote when polling commenced at booth number 87 of M.M. Oriental Vocational Higher Secondary School, Panayappilly, in the Kochi Assembly constituency at 7 a.m. Whether a good omen or not, brisk polling followed, with long queues forming outside the booth thereafter.