Kochi, Aug 14 (NationPress) The Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) is on the brink of one of its most fiercely contested elections in history, potentially leading to a female president for the very first time.

Voting is scheduled for Friday at a hotel in the city, with intense focus on the competitive battle between acclaimed actress Shwetha Menon and actor-turned-BJP leader Devan for the prestigious president’s position.

If Menon emerges victorious, she will become the first woman to take the reins of AMMA since its establishment.

Meanwhile, the race for the general secretary’s role is equally captivating, with actress Kuku Parameswaran squaring off against seasoned actor Raveendran.

A win for Parameswaran would also signify a historic moment, as it would be the first time a woman occupies this influential position.

An AMMA member, wishing to remain anonymous, characterized the election as a “touch and go” situation with no definitive front-runner.

“This time, there is no official panel. Each candidate is navigating their own campaign. Both the presidential and secretary races are a toss-up, and while 500 members are eligible to cast their votes, turnout may only hit around 50 percent,” the member revealed.

As polling day approaches, tensions have heightened. Last week, AMMA’s ad-hoc committee issued a gag order, advising members against discussing internal matters with the media until after the elections.

This warning followed a public dispute between actresses Ponnamma Babu and Mala Parvathy regarding the association’s financial matters.

The exchange of words reportedly caught the attention of industry stalwarts Mohanlal and Mammootty, prompting election officials to threaten strict consequences for any breaches.

In addition to the electoral excitement, the new leadership will face considerable challenges, including unresolved issues with the Income Tax Department.

“Regardless of who wins, the new committee will have a challenging journey ahead,” a member commented. With historical significance and critical roles at stake, AMMA’s 2024 election is poised to be a landmark event for the organization—and possibly a pivotal moment for female representation in the Malayalam cinema's most influential body.