Sun Dec 07 15:07:37 UTC 2025: Summary:

Kottayam is prepared for local body elections scheduled for tomorrow, December 8, 2025. The district administration has finalized all arrangements for polling across 89 local bodies. Over 1.6 million registered voters will be served by nearly 2,000 polling booths, with over 5,000 candidates competing for seats. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are secured, transportation is arranged, and polling day has been declared a public holiday. A mock poll will precede actual voting.

News Article:

Kottayam Gears Up for Local Body Elections Tomorrow

KOTTAYAM, INDIA – DECEMBER 7, 2025: With just hours to go, Kottayam is making its final preparations for local body elections set to take place tomorrow, December 8, 2025. The district administration has confirmed that all systems are go for a smooth and efficient polling day.

Elections will be held across 89 local bodies within the district, encompassing the District Panchayat, 11 block panchayats, 71 grama panchayats, and six municipalities. This represents a total of 1,611 electoral constituencies.

A significant turnout is expected, with 1,641,249 registered voters eligible to cast their ballots. To accommodate this large electorate, 1,925 polling booths have been established throughout the district. Voters include 856,321 women, 784,842 men, 13 transgender individuals, and 73 expatriate voters.

A total of 5,281 candidates are vying for positions, including 83 for the District Panchayat, 489 for block panchayats, 4,032 for grama panchayats, and 677 for municipalities.

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), pre-loaded with ballot papers displaying candidates’ names and symbols, are securely stored at designated distribution-receipt centers. Transportation has been organized to move personnel and equipment to polling stations. 724 vehicles are allocated to transport election personnel to various booths while 134 vehicles are assigned for sectoral officers.

Kottayam District Collector and Chief Election Officer, Chetan Kumar Meena, has declared December 8th a public holiday, ensuring maximum voter participation. All institutions serving as distribution-receipt centers and polling stations will also remain closed on December 8th and 9th.

Authorities have prepared 9,514 ballot units and 3,403 control units, and a total of 9,272 officials will be on duty to oversee the election process. Emphasis is also being placed on adhering to environmental guidelines during the elections.

Before voting commences, a mock poll will be conducted at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday in the presence of political party representatives to ensure the integrity of the EVMs.

After the polls close, all EVMs will be securely transported from the distribution-receipt centers to strong rooms. The counting of votes is scheduled for December 13th at the same centers. Postal ballots for the District Panchayat divisions will be counted at the District Panchayat Hall.

The district administration is confident that all measures have been taken to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election.

Read More