Kerala votes in crucial 2026 Assembly polls

First-time voters show their ink-marked fingers after casting their votes during the Kerala Assembly election at a polling station in Cherurakkal LPS in Kazhakoottam constituency, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Elderly women voters show their ink-marked fingers after casting their votes during the Kerala Assembly election, in Idamalakkudi on Thursday, April 09, 2026.

Voters wait in queues to cast their votes during the Kerala Assembly election at Jawahar Nagar LPS, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The LDF is aiming for a rare third consecutive term, while the UDF is banking on anti-incumbency sentiment. Voting has been largely peaceful, with steady turnout reported across districts. The results, expected next month, will determine the next phase of governance in the southern state.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan cast his vote for the Kerala assembly elections, at RC Amala Basic UP School in Pinarayi, in Kannur on Thursday.

Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly V D Satheesan along with his wife and daughter shows their ink-marked fingers after casting their votes during the Kerala Assembly election, at a polling booth in Kochi on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Kerala BJP President and Nemom BJP-NDA candidate Rajeev Chandrasekhar shows his ink-marked finger after casting his vote during the Kerala Assembly election at Jawahar Nagar LPS, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Actor Mammootty arrives at a polling booth to cast his vote during the Kerala Assembly election, in Kochi on Thursday, April 09, 2026

Malayalam film superstar Mohanlal shows his ink-marked finger after casting his vote during the Kerala Assembly election, at Mudavanmugal LPS, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on Thursday, April 9, 2026

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor shows his ink-marked finger after casting his vote during the Kerala Assembly election, at a polling booth in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, April 09, 2026.

BJP candidate from Vattiyoorkavu constituency R Sreelekha greets voters during the Kerala Assembly election at Jawahar Nagar LPS, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on Thursday, April 9, 2026.