Kochi, March 6: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has conducted a thorough review of the preparations for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections in 2026. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Dr. Sukbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi, assessed the electoral arrangements during a three-day visit to Kochi.
This visit is considered crucial as the state assembly’s term ends on May 23, 2026, with voting expected to take place in April 2026.
During the review, the commission met with representatives from recognized national parties such as the Aam Aadmi Party, Bahujan Samaj Party, Bharatiya Janata Party, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Indian National Congress, and regional parties including the Communist Party of India, Indian Union Muslim League, Kerala Congress, Kerala Congress (M), and Revolutionary Socialist Party. Suggestions were solicited from these parties, and discussions were held on various issues.
Most political parties praised the ECI for the peaceful and smooth process of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list. Several parties also commended the work of Block Level Officers (BLOs). CEC Gyanesh Kumar reiterated that the SIR was conducted with complete transparency, aiming to ensure that no eligible voter is left out and no ineligible person is included. He noted that Forms 6, 7, and 8 can still be submitted, and appeals can be made to the DM/CEO under the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
The parties urged the commission to consider local festivals when setting election dates. They requested special facilities for elderly and disabled voters, such as ramps, wheelchairs, and drinking water. Concerns were raised about the misuse of money power, alcohol, and freebies, as well as the potential negative impact of AI and synthetic content on the electoral environment.
The CEC assured all parties that the elections would be conducted in a free, fair, and impartial manner, in accordance with the law. He encouraged the use of the ECIANET platform’s C-VIGIL app for reporting violations of the Model Code of Conduct. He called for the Kerala elections to set an example for the entire country and the world.
Later, the commission held a detailed meeting with heads of enforcement agencies, IGs, DIGs, DEOs, and SPs to discuss EVM management, logistics, staff training, seizures, law and order, voter awareness, and outreach. The commission instructed all DEOs to ensure minimum facilities at polling stations and to take strict action against inducement activities.
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