Representational Image, credit: PTI
Thiruvanthapuram: A couple of hours from now, the first results from counting desks across the state will emerge for the local body polls concluded on Monday.
The third phase of polls saw a voter turnout of 78.64 percent, says the State Election Commission.
All arrangements in line with Covid-19 protocol are in place to start counting of votes at 8 am,
Counting for the three-tier panchayaths is to be held at the block-level centres, and as for municipalities and corporations, counting is planned in respective body.
As many as 21,893 wards in 1,200 local bodies went to polls in three phases, which according to poll pundits could predict upcoming Assembly polls.
The ruling LDF went to polls with great confidence hoping big gain banking on its welfare measures during the pandemic.
Opposition UDF took a stab at cornering the government with allegations of corruption, particularly pointing at Chief Minister's office in a gold smuggling case.
UDF, however, is not in a better position to claim holier- than –thou, because of corruption charges and arrest of its leaders.
Pressure is on NDA in the state to showcase the alliance is making inroads at the grassroots. NDA is banking wholly on the centrally initiated development programmes.
It will be hours before the conclusive results to emerge, although first results are expected in a couple of hours from now.