Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 29 (NationPress) The race for Kerala's two-phase local body elections has reached an exhilarating peak, with only 10 days remaining before voters head to the polls.

On December 9, districts up to Thrissur will cast their votes, while the remaining areas will follow on December 11.

Counting of votes is slated for December 13, a significant precursor to the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.

What has traditionally been a bipolar showdown between the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has evolved into a triangular competition, with the BJP-led NDA increasingly asserting its presence over the last decade.

This transformation has added a layer of unpredictability to the political arena, particularly in urban regions.

As per the State Election Commission, voting will occur across 1,199 local bodies — comprising 941 grama panchayats, 152 block panchayats, 14 district panchayats, 86 municipalities, and six corporations.

Polling will take place in 23,576 wards through 33,746 polling stations, supported by 1.8 lakh officials and over 70,000 police personnel to ensure orderly conduct.

The voter demographic stands at 2.84 crore, which includes 1.49 crore women, 1.33 crore men, and 271 transgender individuals.

There are 72,005 candidates contesting, including 37,786 women, 34,218 men, and one transgender candidate, reflecting Kerala's dedication to gender diversity in local governance.

The first phase will encompass Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam, while the second phase will cover Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.

All eyes are on the 101-seat Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, a microcosm of the state's political landscape, where the NDA currently holds 35 seats, and a reinvigorated UDF with just 10 seats is anticipated to enhance its position.

The LDF, currently in power with a slender majority of 51 seats, is contending with several challenges, including anti-incumbency sentiments, urban dissatisfaction, and internal dissent.

There are concerns within the Left that rebel candidates might siphon off their votes, possibly leading to a hung verdict for the Corporation — a politically sensitive outcome with broader implications.

For all three factions, this election serves as a semi-final leading up to the grand finale of the 2026 Assembly elections.

The countdown has begun towards Kerala's decisive ballot, which will focus on development, coalition dynamics, and political narratives.