Kerala Election Officials Aim for 85% Turnout and Eco-Friendly Polls in 2026

Kerala's Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U. Kelkar announced plans for the April 9, 2026 Assembly elections, targeting an 85% voter turnout, surpassing the previous high of 80.57% in 1987. Efforts focus on increasing youth participation, combating electoral malpractices, and monitoring misinformation through a 'Fake News Detection Unit.' The election will also emphasize environmental sustainability with green protocols, senior-citizen-friendly polling stations, and oversight by a high-level screening committee involving political parties.