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Kerala Aims for 85% Voter Turnout as EC Releases Election Guide

The Election Commission has set an ambitious target of achieving over 85% voter turnout for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections. Chief Electoral Officer Ratan U Kelkar released 'Vottarivu', an election reference manual for journalists, to provide accurate historical and constituency data. The manual, which traces elections since 1957, is intended to aid in constructive, data-driven reporting. A digital version is available online to ensure wider accessibility for media professionals.

Key Points: Kerala Targets 85% Voter Turnout in 2026 Assembly Polls

  • EC targets over 85% voter turnout
  • Manual 'Vottarivu' released for journalists
  • Aims to strengthen democratic process
  • Digital version available online
2 min read

EC targets 85 pc voter turnout in Kerala

Election Commission sets ambitious 85% voter turnout target for Kerala. New media manual 'Vottarivu' released to aid journalists covering the 2026 polls.

"informed and responsible reporting can significantly contribute to higher voter awareness and participation - Ratan U Kelkar"

Thiruvananthapuram, March 23

With preparations for the Kerala Assembly elections gathering pace, the Election Commission has set an ambitious target of achieving over 85 per cent voter turnout, signaling a renewed push to deepen electoral participation in the state.

Kerala goes to the polls on April 9 to elect 140 new legislators.

Based on the latest available figures for the 2026 Assembly elections, Kerala has an electorate of around 2.72 crore.

Chief Electoral Officer, Ratan U Kelkar, made the announcement on Monday while releasing 'Vottarivu', an election reference manual prepared by the Press Information Bureau, Thiruvananthapuram, for journalists covering the 2026 Assembly polls.

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, Kelkar said the publication brings together accurate and comprehensive information on Kerala's electoral journey.

The manual includes a detailed historical account of Assembly elections in the state, making it a ready reckoner for media professionals engaged in election coverage.

He emphasised the role of the media in strengthening democratic processes and urged journalists to focus on constructive and positive election-related narratives.

According to him, informed and responsible reporting can significantly contribute to higher voter awareness and participation.

Presiding over the function, V. Palanichamy Additional Director General of PIB for the Kerala-Lakshadweep region expressed confidence that the manual would serve as a practical tool for journalists, especially in the run-up to a closely contested election.

He noted that access to verified and structured data would enhance the quality and depth of reporting.

Conceived as a concise yet informative guide, 'Vottarivu' traces the history of Kerala's Assembly elections since 1957 and presents key constituency-wise data from the 2021 polls.

The compilation is expected to aid journalists in contextualising electoral trends and presenting data-driven stories.

In line with the push towards accessibility, a digital version of the manual has also been made available on the official Press Information Bureau website, ensuring wider reach among media professionals.

As the state gears up for the polls, the Election Commission's dual focus on voter turnout and informed reporting reflects an effort to reinforce both participation and the quality of public discourse in Kerala's electoral process.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Target is good, but EC should focus more on the ground reality. In my area, the voter list still has errors with wrong addresses. First clean the electoral roll, then talk about 85% turnout. Also, making a digital manual is a step in the right direction for transparency.
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Suresh O
As a senior citizen from Thrissur, I have voted in every election since 1977. Our state has always valued its democratic duty. This manual preserving history since 1957 is important for the younger generation to understand our political journey. Proud of Kerala's consistent participation!
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Anjali F
Hope the media uses this 'ready reckoner' properly. Last time, so much reporting was just about rallies and accusations. We need stories on development work, candidate backgrounds, and manifestos. Data-driven journalism can reduce the noise. Good luck to all journalists covering this!
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David E
Interesting to see this level of preparation. The focus on constructive narratives is crucial. In a highly literate state like Kerala, informed voting can truly shape the outcome. The digital version of the manual is a welcome move for accessibility.
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Kavya N
My first time voting! 🎉 Excited to be part of this. Glad they are making efforts to educate through the media. I will definitely check my name on the list. Young voters like me need to come out in large numbers. Let's do this, Kerala!

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