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Kerala's New Leaders Take Charge: Oath Ceremony Begins Today

Today is a big day for Kerala's local governance. Newly elected representatives across the state's various local bodies will officially take their oaths. The process is carefully structured, with the senior-most member in each council taking the oath first. This formal ceremony kicks off a fresh five-year term for grassroots administration in the state.

Key Points: Kerala Local Body Poll Winners to Take Oath on Sunday

  • Oath ceremonies begin at 10 AM for panchayats and municipal councils
  • District Collectors oversee proceedings in corporations and district panchayats
  • First meetings will convene under the senior-most member's chairmanship
  • Leadership elections for Mayors and Presidents scheduled for December 26-27
2 min read

Kerala local body polls: Elected candidates to take oath today

Newly elected representatives across Kerala's local bodies will formally take oath today, marking the start of a fresh administrative cycle with structured ceremonies.

"The senior-most elected member in each body will take the oath first... and this will be administered by officials authorised by the government. - State Election Commission"

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 21

Newly elected representatives across Kerala’s local bodies are set to formally take charge on Sunday, with the State Election Commission outlining a structured schedule and guidelines to ensure the transition of power proceeds in an orderly manner.

According to the Commission, the senior-most elected member in each body will take the oath first -- either based on age or previous tenure -- and this will be administered by officials authorised by the government.

District Collectors will oversee the procedure in corporations and district panchayats, while returning officers have been assigned to grama panchayats, block panchayats, and municipal councils.

Once the senior member is sworn in, they will administer the oath to all remaining members.

The Commission will issue written notifications to every elected representative, informing them of the time and venue. The oath will be administered at 10 a.m. in grama panchayats, block panchayats, district panchayats, and municipal councils, and at 11.30 a.m. in corporations.

Following this, the first meeting of the newly formed body will convene under the chairmanship of the senior-most member, during which the secretary will read out the notification pertaining to the elections for leadership positions.

District election officials have been tasked with monitoring the ceremony to ensure adherence to the Commission’s directives and to report on its completion.

The election of Mayors and Municipal Chairpersons has been scheduled for December 26 at 10.30 a.m., followed by the election of Deputy Mayors and Vice-Chairpersons at 2.30 p.m.

On December 27, elections for presidents of grama, block, and district panchayats will be conducted at 10.30 a.m., with Vice-Presidents to be elected that afternoon at 2.30 p.m.

A quorum of at least half of the eligible voting members will be required for the leadership elections. If this requirement is not met, polling will be adjourned to the next working day, when the election may proceed without a quorum.

These arrangements mark the beginning of a fresh administrative cycle for Kerala’s local governance system, setting the stage for newly elected councils and panchayats to commence functioning and undertake their responsibilities.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see the detailed planning. The quorum rule is interesting—if not met, they can proceed the next day without one. Hope this doesn't lead to any last-minute political maneuvering. The real test begins now for these local bodies to deliver on development promises.
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Suresh O
As someone from a grama panchayat in Thrissur, I appreciate the clarity on timing. 10 AM for our panchayat oath ceremony. It's a proud day for local democracy. Let's hope the new council focuses on basic issues like roads, water, and waste management.
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Anjali F
The procedure seems robust, but I have a respectful criticism. The article mentions the senior-most member administers oath to others. While tradition is good, I hope 'seniority' is judged fairly and doesn't sideline energetic new members, especially younger ones and women.
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David E
Observing from outside, Kerala's local governance model is often cited as a benchmark. This detailed, time-bound protocol for transfer of power is impressive and reduces ambiguity. The district officials monitoring adds a layer of accountability. Good work.
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Kavitha C
All the best to all the newly elected members! 🤞 The real work starts after the oath. Our panchayat needs urgent attention to the flooding issues. Hope the new team works beyond party lines for the people's welfare. The schedule for Mayor elections on 26th is noted.

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