Thiruvananthapuram, March 23: As preparations for the Kerala Assembly elections intensify, the Election Commission has set an ambitious target of over 85% voter turnout. This initiative signals renewed efforts to strengthen electoral participation in the state, with voting scheduled for April 9.
According to the latest data for the 2026 Assembly elections, Kerala has approximately 27.2 million eligible voters. Chief Electoral Officer Ratan U. Kelkar made this announcement on Monday, unveiling an electoral reference booklet titled ‘Vottarivu’.
This booklet, prepared by the Press Information Bureau in Thiruvananthapuram, is designed for journalists covering the 2026 Assembly elections. Highlighting the significance of this initiative, Kelkar stated that the publication consolidates accurate and comprehensive information about Kerala’s electoral journey.
The booklet includes a detailed historical account of past Assembly elections in the state, making it an invaluable resource for media professionals engaged in election coverage. Kelkar emphasized the media’s role in strengthening democratic processes and urged journalists to focus on constructive and positive aspects related to the elections.
He noted that informative and responsible reporting could significantly enhance voter awareness and participation. V. Palanisamy, Additional Director General of PIB for the Kerala-Lakshadweep region, expressed confidence that this manual would serve as a practical tool for journalists, especially ahead of a closely contested election. He mentioned that access to verified and structured data would improve the quality and depth of reporting.
Envisioned as a concise yet informative guide, Vottarivu traces the history of Kerala’s Assembly elections since 1957 and presents key constituency-wise data from the 2021 elections. This compilation is expected to assist journalists in understanding electoral trends and presenting data-driven news.
In line with efforts to enhance accessibility, a digital version of this manual is also available on the official website of the Press Information Bureau, ensuring widespread reach among media professionals.
As the state gears up for the elections, the Election Commission’s dual focus on voter participation and informed reporting reflects its commitment to enhancing both public engagement and the quality of discourse in Kerala’s electoral process.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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