Sabu Abraham of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) was elected Kasaragod district panchayat president with nine votes, defeating Congress' J.S. Somasekara who received seven. The election saw controversy as a United Democratic Front (UDF) member was denied a vote for arriving late, which the District Collector stated was in accordance with rules. UDF members protested outside, alleging denial of democratic rights, while the administration maintained adherence to procedures. A BJP member abstained from voting.