Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 8 (NationPress) A remarkable 36,630 candidates are vying for positions in the initial phase of the Kerala local body elections, comprising 17,056 men, 19,573 women, and a single transgender candidate. This highlights the impressive involvement of women in grassroots governance.

The competition features 27,141 candidates for gram panchayats, 3,366 for block panchayats, 594 for district panchayats, 4,480 for municipal wards, and 1,049 for corporation wards.

Voting for this phase is set for Tuesday, with polling conducted from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. across 595 local self-government institutions in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam districts.

This electoral exercise will appoint representatives for 11,168 wards, marking the commencement of a closely observed two-phase civic election.

The first phase encompasses 471 gram panchayats, 75 block panchayats, 7 district panchayats, 39 municipalities, and 3 municipal corporations.

According to official statistics, 13,283,789 voters are eligible to participate today, including 6.25 million men, 7.03 million women, and 126 transgender voters, showcasing the state's diverse electorate.

Additionally, the rolls include 456 migrant voters.

Panchayat regions constitute the majority of the electorate, with over 10.14 million voters, followed by 1.55 million in municipalities and 1.57 million in corporations.

Polling arrangements have been established across 15,432 booths, with 480 being designated as sensitive.

Election officials are prepared with 15,432 control units and 40,261 ballot units for the voting process, alongside 2,516 control units and 6,501 ballot units reserved for emergencies.

State Election Commissioner A. Shahjahan has urged political parties and candidates to assist election officials to guarantee a seamless and transparent voting experience during these local body elections.

“It is essential to create an environment where voters can cast their votes freely and without fear,” stated Shahjahan.

The second phase of voting is scheduled for Thursday, with the counting of votes and announcement of results slated for December 13.

These civic elections are being closely monitored as a pivotal test of the political sentiment in the state ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, with all major factions considering the results as a significant indicator of grassroots backing.