With the counting of votes in the 2026 Assembly elections on May 4, 2026, the spotlight has once again turned to the divided, yet influential, Kerala Congress camp, where the verdict could shape not only electoral fortunes but also the future clout, relevance and survival of its competing factions.
Kerala will have 140 counting centres across 43 locations on Monday (May 4) for the counting of votes polled in the April 9 Assembly elections. The counting will begin at 8 a.m., Chief Electoral Officer - Kerala Rathan U. Kelkar has said, adding that all arrangements are in place for the exercise.
Also Read | Tight security in place for vote counting day, says State Police Chief
Voter turnout in the Kerala elections had been updated to 79.63% after the postal votes were factored in.
Also Read | May 4 is day of reckoning for Kerala Congress factions
This election is especially crucial for Kerala Congress (M), headed by Jose K. Mani, who crossed over to the Left Democratic Front (LDF) ahead of the 2021 Assembly polls after his dramatic exit from the United Democratic Front (UDF). That move reshaped Kerala’s coalition arithmetic, but the political gamble remains unfinished. A second consecutive defeat for Mr. Mani in Pala could deal a serious blow to his leadership and reopen uncomfortable questions about the party’s future direction.
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May 04, 2026 06:23
Security tightened in sensitive areas ahead of poll verdict
Around 15 locations in the district will be under heightened surveillance on Monday (May 4), with the police planning intense security arrangements in view of the declaration of the Assembly election results. Sensitive areas in the district include places such as Chengamanad, Pezhakkappilly, Binanipuram, Edathala, and Kunnathunadu.
All the sensitive locations fall within the Ernakulam Rural police limits. The sensitive locations were identified based on issues and scuffles reported during the election campaign. While the Kochi city police have not marked any specific location as ‘sensitive’, additional surveillance will be in place at points where supporters of political parties are likely to gather to watch and celebrate results. District Police Chief (Kochi city) Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar said a three-layer security as per the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines will be in place at Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kalamassery, where votes for six constituencies will be counted.
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Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: Security tightened in sensitive areas ahead of poll verdict
Ernakulam prepares for Kerala Assembly Election results with heightened security and surveillance at key political hotspots on May 4.
May 04, 2026 06:09
All set for counting; ECI promises transparency
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday (May 3, 2026) said it would uphold the “highest standards of transparency, security and efficiency” during the counting of votes on Monday (May 4, 2026) for the elections to the Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry and the bye-elections in seven Assembly constituencies of five States.
With just hours left for the counting of votes polled in the April 9 Assembly elections, Kerala’s voter turnout was updated provisionally to 79.7% on Sunday as election officials factored in 20,028 postal ballots of service voters polled till May 1. On the eve of counting day, the leadership of all three fronts exuded confidence about the results. With exit polls hinting at a United Democratic Front (UDF) comeback, the Congress-led Opposition led by V.D. Satheesan is already in a celebratory mood.
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All set for counting; ECI promises transparency
ECI ensures transparent and secure vote counting as elections conclude in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry.
Published - May 04, 2026 05:45 am IST
