Mon Nov 24 23:36:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
Kerala’s State Election Commission (SEC) is facing increased requests for postal ballots in the upcoming local body elections, scheduled for December 9 and 11. Unlike national elections, these local polls typically only offer postal ballots to election officials. The Panchayat Raj Act and the Municipality Act do not allow postal ballots for general voters. While a temporary exception was made during the 2020 pandemic, current laws don’t permit extending postal voting to other groups like police personnel, firefighters, or vulnerable citizens. This contrasts with the Election Commission of India’s policies for national elections, which allow postal ballots for senior citizens (85+) and people with disabilities. Meanwhile, CPI State secretary Binoy Viswam has requested rescheduling of the tiger census to allow Forest department officials to vote.
News Article:
Kerala Local Body Elections Face Postal Ballot Debate
Thiruvananthapuram, November 25, 2025 – With just two weeks until Kerala’s local body elections on December 9 and 11, the absence of widespread postal ballot options is generating debate. The State Election Commission (SEC) is fielding numerous requests for postal ballots from diverse groups, including police and fire personnel, but current regulations limit postal voting to officials directly involved in conducting the elections.
Unlike national elections managed by the Election Commission of India, Kerala’s local body elections do not offer postal ballots for general voters, the elderly, or disabled individuals. State Election Commissioner A. Shajahan emphasized that the Panchayat Raj Act and the Municipality Act restricts postal ballots to election officials only, citing logistical challenges and the need for legal amendments to expand the system.
A temporary provision was made during the 2020 pandemic, allowing COVID-19 patients and those quarantined to vote via special postal ballots or at polling booths after regular voters. However, this is not standard practice.
Meanwhile, CPI State secretary Binoy Viswam has appealed to the SEC to reschedule the ongoing tiger census. The census is scheduled to end on December 8, potentially disenfranchising Forest department officials who would struggle to return from remote regions in time to vote in the first phase of elections on December 9. The SEC has announced that postal ballots for election officials will be distributed from November 26.
The debate highlights the different approaches to electoral access between state and national elections, and raises questions about potential reforms to enhance voter participation in local governance.
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