Ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has received a significant boost from the recent local body elections in Kerala, with early results indicating a strong likelihood of victory. In contrast, the Left Democratic Front (LDF) appears to have struggled to appeal to voters despite implementing various welfare initiatives.
Initial counting trends and results from the local body polls, conducted in two phases earlier this week, suggest a notable shift in public sentiment towards the UDF, which has successfully won the last two Lok Sabha elections in the state.
According to the trends, the outcome may compel the CPI(M)-led LDF to reevaluate its electoral strategies ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections. Prior to the local body election announcements, the Left government had introduced a variety of financial packages, including increased social security and welfare pensions, higher honorariums for ASHA workers, and a new women’s security scheme, seemingly aimed at swaying voters.
The State Election Commission (SEC) reports indicate that the UDF is on track to gain control of three corporations—Kollam, Thrissur, and Kochi—previously held by the LDF, while it is also set to retain the Kannur corporation. Notably, Kollam and Thrissur corporations were governed by the Left for 25 and 10 years, respectively.
In the Kozhikode corporation, the race is tight, with the LDF currently in the lead. However, the LDF has experienced a significant setback in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation, traditionally under its control for 45 years, where the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is reporting a substantial lead that appears insurmountable, even with potential collaboration between LDF and UDF.
The electoral trends indicate that the UDF’s campaign highlighting the Sabarimala gold loss resonated with voters, while the LDF’s rival campaign focusing on sexual assault allegations against expelled Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil failed to deter public support for the UDF. This is exemplified by the lead of the Congress candidate backed by Mamkootathil in Palakkad’s Kunnathurmedu north ward.
In Palakkad municipality, the NDA is leading over the UDF, albeit by a narrow margin. Early results also reflect a notable increase for the BJP-led NDA in multiple strongholds of the Left, including the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram.
Counting is occurring across 244 centers and 14 district collectorates. Some complications have arisen at several counting centers, including those in Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, and Vadakara, regarding access for booth agents and candidates.
The final results of the local body elections are expected to play a critical role in shaping the future strategies of political parties in Kerala ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. The official oath-taking for elected panchayat members, municipal councillors, and corporation members is scheduled for December 21.
