Peaceful Polling Marks A Shift In Kannur’s Election Scene

During the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026, Kannur witnessed a largely peaceful polling process, marking a change from its earlier reputation for election-related tensions. In most booths across the district, agents of the United Democratic Front (UDF) were present, except in five booths in Anthoor municipality.

In the past, the UDF often struggled to place agents in many booths in Anthoor, sometimes in over 25 locations. However, this time, the UDF itself claimed that its agents were able to sit in almost all booths, showing an improvement in the situation.

Only one minor incident was reported, where a UDF booth agent named Vimala alleged that ink was poured on her and she was threatened and forced to leave a booth at the Government Engineering College in Mangattuparamba.

Similarly, Malappattam panchayat also saw a change, as UDF agents were present in booths where they were usually absent in previous elections, including local body and parliamentary polls.

Overall, polling remained mostly peaceful compared to previous years. While there were some allegations of bogus voting, no strong evidence was reported. The presence of central forces and the use of webcasting in all booths helped ensure smoother and more transparent election procedures, though a few isolated incidents of violence were reported after polling.

The results for all the Assembly constituencies in Kannur would be announced on May 4, along with all other districts in Kerala.

(This story is part of a Timeline. internship project “Whom They Voted For: Celebrating The Election Festival”. This internship project is being organised aimed at helping young minds understand the electoral process of the country.)