There are more women candidates than men in the fray for the two-phase local bodies polls in Kerala, according to the figures released by the state Election Commission.
The data shows that 38,268 women and 37,281 men candidates are contesting. Saturday was the last day for withdrawal of nominations.
The key contest is expected to be between the traditional rival fronts – the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the CPI-M-led Left Democratic Front (LDF).
The Bharatiya Janata Party is hoping to make inroads into areas which have been strongholds of the rival fronts.
The elections will be held over two days – 2 November and 5.
Dubai resident Mohammed Ali Firoz is campaigning for his mother who is contesting from Trichur. He is appealing for votes from his friends and well-wishers living in Kerala.
“In the forthcoming polls, my dear mother is contesting and I seek all your support and blessings,” Firoz posted on his Facebook page.
Non-Resident Indians in the UAE are using sites like Facebook and Twitter as well as mobile apps like WhatsApp and Instagram to seek votes for their favourite candidates in the fray, Emirates 24|7 News reported on Friday.
Some expatriates will also be visiting the constituencies to garner votes for their favourite candidates and parties.
Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre in Delhi is making arrangements to bring about 200 expatriates to Kerala’s Malappuram city on 29 October.
On 2 November, the polls would be held in the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Idukki, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad and Kasargode while on 5 November, the election would be held in Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad and Malappuram districts.
The polls would be for 21,871 seats in 941 village, 152 blocks and 14 district panchayats besides 86 municipalities and six corporations. The last date for nominations’ withdrawal would be 17 October.
Over 2.50 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballot at 35,000 polling booths.
In 2010, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) had won over 60 percent of the total seats.
