Kerala Local Body Elections: State to Observe Week-Long Alcohol Restrictions in December
Thiruvananthapuram: The dates for the local body elections in Kerala have been officially announced, with polling set to occur in two distinct phases across the state. Districts stretching from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam will cast their votes on December 9, while the second phase, covering districts from Thrissur to Kasaragod, is scheduled for December 11. The counting of votes for all regions will take place on December 13.
State Election Commissioner A. Shajahan has confirmed that a prohibition on the sale and consumption of alcohol will be enforced during critical periods surrounding the elections. This includes a 48-hour dry period immediately preceding the end of polling for each phase, as well as a full-day liquor ban on the vote counting day.
**Dry Days Schedule:**
– **December 8 and 9:** Liquor ban will be in effect in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukku, and Ernakulam districts.
– **December 10 and 11:** Dry days are declared for Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts.
– **December 13:** A statewide liquor ban will be observed on the day of vote counting.
Kerala comprises a total of 1,200 local self-government institutions. Elections will be conducted in 1,199 of these, with the Mattannur Municipality being the sole exception. The Model Code of Conduct has already come into force across the state, including Mattannur, ensuring a fair and orderly election process.
Commissioner A. Shajahan also outlined specific regulations for election campaigning. Prior permission from police authorities is mandatory for organizing vehicle rallies, public meetings, and processions. The use of loudspeakers for campaigning is strictly prohibited between 10 PM and 6 AM, and all campaign activities must strictly adhere to legally stipulated noise limits. Furthermore, public campaigning is permitted only up to 48 hours before the conclusion of polling for each phase.