Thiruvananthapuram, April 9 (NationPress) The official polling period concluded at 6 p.m. on Thursday, marking the end of what many call the 'festival of democracy' in Kerala.

However, the essence of democracy persisted in several booths, where voters remained eager to cast their votes even after the deadline had passed.

Overall, the State experienced a remarkably smooth voting process with minimal incidents.

According to the Chief Electoral Officer, the turnout at the official close was recorded at 75.01 percent of the 2.71 crore registered voters by 5 p.m.

In comparison, during the 2021 Assembly elections, the voting percentage was 75.75 percent. Given the long queues observed in many polling stations after 6 p.m., it remains to be seen if the final turnout will reach 80 percent. If achieved, this would be the first time since 1987 that this milestone is surpassed.

With the voting now completed, Kerala enters a period of intense anticipation.

All eyes are on May 4, when the counting process kicks off at 8 a.m. across various centers, unveiling the political future of the State.

The pressing question on everyone's mind, from voters to political analysts, is: who will secure control of the State Secretariat for the next five years?

As the verdict approaches, confidence is palpable among all major political factions.

The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and organized by party secretary M. V. Govindan, is radiating positivity.

Both leaders assert that the LDF will enhance its current standing of 99 seats in the 140-member Assembly, a claim that, if true, would signify a major consolidation of authority.

Conversely, the Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) has outrightly rejected these forecasts.

Veteran Congress figure A. K. Antony, along with current leaders V. D. Satheesan, Ramesh Chennithala, State president Sunny Joseph, and former president K. Sudhakaran, predict a significant comeback.

Their bold assertion is that the UDF is on track to surpass the 100-seat threshold, which they interpret as a clear mandate for change.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has introduced an alternative perspective.

State president Rajeev Chandrasekhar forecasts a hung Assembly, a potential scenario that could significantly reshape Kerala's historically binary political environment.

This prediction is particularly intriguing given the BJP's limited electoral success in the State, having secured only one seat in 2016, which they subsequently lost in 2021.

For now, these assertions remain within the sphere of political discourse as Kerala approaches a quiet yet tense period.

By noon on the counting day, the numbers will replace speculation, revealing the definitive verdict of 2.71 crore voters—clear, conclusive, and indisputable.

Until then, Kerala waits.