Thiruvananthapuram, March 23 (NationPress) As the preparations for the Kerala Assembly elections intensify, the Election Commission has established an ambitious goal of achieving a voter turnout exceeding 85%, marking a renewed effort to enhance electoral participation across the state.

Kerala is set to vote on April 9 to elect 140 new legislators.

According to the most recent data for the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections, the electorate in Kerala stands at approximately 2.72 crore.

Chief Electoral Officer, Ratan U Kelkar, announced this initiative on Monday during the unveiling of ‘Vottarivu’, an election reference manual developed by the Press Information Bureau, Thiruvananthapuram, aimed at assisting journalists reporting on the 2026 Assembly elections.

Kelkar underscored the significance of this initiative, stating that the publication consolidates precise and comprehensive insights into Kerala’s electoral history.

The manual features a thorough historical overview of Assembly elections within the state, serving as a valuable resource for media professionals involved in election reporting.

He highlighted the crucial role the media plays in fortifying democratic processes and encouraged journalists to concentrate on constructive and positive narratives surrounding the elections.

Kelkar noted that well-informed and responsible journalism can greatly enhance voter awareness and participation.

During the event, V. Palanichamy, Additional Director General of PIB for the Kerala-Lakshadweep region, expressed optimism that the manual would function as a practical guide for journalists, particularly as the election approaches.

He emphasized that access to verified and organized information would elevate the quality and depth of election coverage.

Designed as a concise yet informative resource, ‘Vottarivu’ chronicles the history of Kerala’s Assembly elections since 1957 and provides key constituency-level data from the 2021 elections.

This compilation aims to assist journalists in contextualizing electoral trends and crafting data-driven narratives.

In line with enhancing accessibility, a digital version of the manual is also available on the official Press Information Bureau website, broadening its reach among media professionals.

As the state prepares for the elections, the Election Commission’s dual focus on maximizing voter turnout and promoting informed reporting showcases an effort to strengthen both voter engagement and the quality of public discourse in Kerala’s electoral landscape.