Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 12 (NationPress) Kerala's political parties are preparing for a pivotal day as the counting of votes for the local body elections commences at 8 am on Saturday across 244 centers statewide.

With a noticeable drop in turnout during both phases of polling, the political factions are meticulously analyzing the numbers to understand the shifting public sentiment ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

The second phase of polling, conducted across districts from Thrissur to Kasaragod on Thursday, recorded a turnout of 76.08 percent, which is lower than the 77.9 percent average noted in the same districts in 2020.

The first phase, which included seven districts from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam, saw a turnout of 70.91 percent, also beneath the 2020 average of 73.82 percent.

This general decline has sparked intense speculation, with analysts interpreting the decrease as indicative of a consistent sentiment across the state.

However, the political fronts interpret the data differently.

The CPI-M and the LDF camp assert that their cadre votes have been completely mobilized, and historically, lower turnout tends to favor the Left.

Nonetheless, sources within the party are cautious this time, particularly due to the controversy surrounding Congress leader Rahul Mamkootathil, which they believe may have deterred some voters.

The UDF presents its own perspective, claiming that dissatisfaction with governance and lingering sentiments regarding Sabarimala dissuaded traditional voters from participating.

The BJP, which undertook one of its most vigorous campaigns in recent years, argues that voter fatigue from what it describes as "ruling-opposition collusion" contributed to the decline, while also asserting that the drop conceals significant gains for the party.

District-wise, Wayanad (78.3 percent), Malappuram (77.43), and Kozhikode (77.26) recorded the highest turnout in Phase Two, while Thrissur (72.46) and Kasaragod (74.86) experienced the most pronounced declines compared to 2020.

Corporation limits witnessed a steeper fall, with Thrissur Corporation declining from 71.88 percent to 62.45 percent.

Counting will commence at 8 a.m., with postal ballots being processed first.

Panchayat votes are being counted at block-level centers, while municipalities and corporations have dedicated counting centers.

Control units from the EVMs are being removed from strong rooms under strict supervision, with results uploaded booth-by-booth to the official trend portal.

Early trends from gram panchayats and municipal wards are anticipated by mid-morning, with complete results—including district panchayats—expected by around 2 p.m.

The outcome will not only determine command of 941 panchayats, 152 block panchayats, 14 district panchayats, 86 municipalities, and 6 corporations, but it will also act as a political gauge for Kerala's upcoming significant electoral battle set for April/May next year.