Wed Jul 16 13:41:27 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Kerala’s Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, has requested the State Election Commission to address several concerns regarding polling booth arrangements ahead of the upcoming local body elections. His primary concerns focus on reducing the number of voters assigned to each booth to avoid logistical issues, ensuring accessibility to polling booths for all voters (especially those who may have to travel long distances), and rectifying anomalies in ward delimitation notifications. He presented these concerns on behalf of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).

**News Article:**

**Kerala Opposition Demands Polling Booth Overhaul Ahead of Local Body Elections**

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, July 16, 2025 – Concerns over polling booth arrangements are mounting in Kerala as the Leader of the Opposition, V.D. Satheesan, has urged the State Election Commission (SEC) to urgently address several key issues before finalizing the voter lists for the upcoming local body elections.

Speaking on behalf of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), Mr. Satheesan met with State Election Commissioner A. Shajahan to voice apprehensions regarding accessibility and logistical challenges.

“The current number of voters assigned to each booth poses a significant risk of delays and confusion,” Mr. Satheesan stated. He proposed reducing the voter count per booth from 1,300 to 1,100 in panchayats and from 1,600 to 1,300 in municipalities. “Considering each voter casts three votes, large numbers will create unnecessary complications.”

Accessibility is also a major concern. The UDF has received complaints that some voters may have to travel over eight kilometers to reach their designated polling booth, even after delimitation. Mr. Satheesan has called for the SEC to establish multiple booths in areas with limited access.

Furthermore, the UDF has requested a thorough review of the draft notifications on ward delimitation, citing reported anomalies and guideline violations. The State Election Commission has yet to formally respond to the demands. The upcoming local body elections are expected to be closely contested, and ensuring fair and accessible polling processes is crucial.

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