Thu Jun 19 15:44:36 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

A fiercely contested byelection was held in Nilambur on Thursday to choose an Assembly representative, necessitated by the resignation of a previous MLA. Over 1.7 lakh voters (likely over 75% turnout) participated in the quadrangular contest featuring candidates from the LDF, UDF, BJP, and an Independent. Polling was largely peaceful, with some delays due to EVM malfunctions. Security was heightened, particularly in tribal areas. The votes will be counted on Monday. Frontrunner candidates from the LDF and UDF expressed confidence in their victory.

**News Article:**

**High Voter Turnout in Nilambur Byelection; Results Expected Monday**

**Nilambur, Kerala – June 19, 2025** – A high-stakes byelection in Nilambur saw a significant voter turnout today, with over 1.7 lakh citizens exercising their franchise to elect their Assembly representative. Polling concluded at 6:00 PM, with long queues reported at several booths as the deadline approached. Election officials predict the final voter turnout will exceed 75%, slightly lower than the 75.20% recorded in the 2021 Assembly election.

The byelection, triggered by the resignation of P.V. Anvar, who is now contesting again as an independent candidate, was a four-way race between M. Swaraj (Left Democratic Front), Aryadan Shoukath (United Democratic Front), Mohan George (Bharatiya Janata Party), and Anvar.

Polling began smoothly at 7:00 AM across 263 polling stations. Authorities took extra care to ensure residents in remote, tribal communities were able to participate. Three polling booths were set up in the heart of the forest areas.

While minor delays were reported at some polling stations due to faulty Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), election officials promptly replaced the malfunctioning equipment, minimizing disruption. A robust security presence of 1,200 personnel was deployed to ensure a peaceful election, with enhanced security measures at 14 critical booths, including those serving tribal areas.

The frontrunner candidates, M. Swaraj and Aryadan Shoukath, expressed confidence in their victory after casting their votes. The votes have now been secured in a strongroom at Mar Thoma Higher Secondary School, Chungathara, where the counting will take place on Monday, June 23. The outcome of this closely watched byelection will likely have implications for the political landscape of Kerala.

Read More