Campaign end for 1st phase voting

Kochi, Apr 20

The campaign for the first phase of the elections to the state assembly came to an end on Thursday and 409 candidates are in the fray in 59 constituencies.

In 8,292 polling booths set up for the Apr 22 elections, 9,121 voting machines would be used.

Including the Thiruvananthapuram East constituency where the BJP supported Hindu Munnani candiate Mr Jyothindra Kumar several constituencies would witness triangular contest. Elections to the four constituencies which have become a centre of attention because of the rebel problem would also be held on Saturday.

The 59 constituencies have a total of 84,28293 voters and of which43,60,731 are female and 40,67,562 males.

Unlike in the past the campaign work of the BJP candidates in almost all the constituencies has gathered momentum.

According to observers, the Hindu voters have been holding a mindset to vote for the winning candidates and that approach should change. In several constituencies the attitude of the people had changed. They are fed up with both these fronts, they said.

The Second phase voting will take place on Apr 29 and the final phase on May 03. Counting of all the constituencies would be held on May 11.