Local Body Elections 2025: Kerala Sets Expenditure Limits, Announces Key Dates
The Kerala State Election Commission has announced the expenditure limits for candidates contesting the upcoming local body elections in 2025, along with a strict warning against non-compliance. The elections are scheduled to take place in two phases across the state, with polling and counting dates now confirmed.
Candidates vying for seats in Gram Panchayats are permitted to spend a maximum of Rs 25,000. For those contesting in Block Panchayats and Municipalities, the expenditure limit has been set at Rs 75,000. Candidates for District Panchayats and Corporations face a higher ceiling of Rs 1,50,000. These financial regulations are crucial for ensuring a level playing field and transparent electoral processes.
A critical aspect of these regulations is the mandatory submission of expenditure accounts. All candidates are required to submit their detailed expense reports to the secretaries of the respective local bodies within 30 days from the date of the result declaration. Failure to comply with this requirement, or spending in excess of the stipulated limits, will lead to severe consequences. The State Election Commission has warned that such candidates will be disqualified for a period of five years from the date of the order. This measure underscores the commission’s commitment to maintaining electoral integrity.
The local body elections in Kerala will be conducted in two phases. The first phase of polling is scheduled for December 9, covering the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, and Ernakulam. The second phase will take place on December 11, encompassing Thrissur, Wayanad, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts. Polling hours for both phases will be from 7 AM to 6 PM.
Out of the total 1,200 local bodies in the state, elections will be held for 1,199, with the Mattannur Municipality being the sole exception. The model code of conduct has already come into effect across the entire state, including Mattannur, ensuring fair conduct leading up to the elections.
The official notification for the elections will be issued on November 14. Following this, the last date for filing nominations is November 21. The scrutiny of nomination papers will be conducted on November 22. Candidates will have the opportunity to withdraw their nominations until November 24. The counting of votes for all local bodies is scheduled for December 13, bringing the electoral process to a close. These elections are pivotal for local governance, shaping the development and administration at the grassroots level across Kerala.