Kerala 2026 Polls: Kozhikode Tops 81.35% Turnout as Malabar Sees Higher Voting in Key Seats
Kerala’s 2026 Assembly polls record higher turnout across Malabar districts, with Kozhikode leading at 81.35% and key constituencies witnessing sharp increases.
SANJANA DUTTA 
Kozhikode Tops Kerala Turnout at 81.35% as Malabar Voting Surges in Key Seats
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, April 10, 2026 — Voter turnout rose across most northern districts of Kerala in the 2026 Assembly elections, with recording the highest participation in the state at 81.35%, reflecting heightened electoral engagement in the politically crucial
Polling increased in five of the six northern districts compared to the 2021 Assembly elections, with only registering a marginal decline in select constituencies.
Kozhikode Leads; Kunnamangalam Records Highest Constituency Turnout
Kozhikode emerged as the top-performing district statewide, while Kunnamangalam constituency recorded the highest polling percentage at 84.83%, underlining a broader trend of strong voter participation across the Malabar belt.
The region, which accounts for 60 Assembly seats, remains central to Kerala’s electoral dynamics. In the 2021 elections, the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) secured 38 seats, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) won 22, highlighting the area’s strategic importance.
Turnout Rises in High-Stakes Constituencies
Several constituencies witnessing close contests reported significant increases in voter turnout. In Manjeswaram, polling rose from 77.93% in 2021 to 81.04% in 2026, while Palakkad saw participation climb sharply from 75.44% to 82.33%.
Other constituencies, including Kasaragod, Kalpetta, Kozhikode South, Thavanur, Tirur, Perinthalmanna and Thrithala, also recorded high turnout, indicating intensified electoral competition across northern Kerala.
In CPI(M)-held constituencies such as Beypore and Perambra, turnout increased despite comfortable victory margins in 2021, suggesting sustained voter mobilisation even in relatively secure seats.
Mixed Trends in Kannur
In contrast, parts of Kannur district showed a decline in participation. In Peravur, polling dropped from 80.41% in 2021 to 79.10%, while Kuttiady and Vadakara also recorded lower turnout compared to the previous election.
Observers point to localised factors, including closely fought contests and internal political dynamics, as possible reasons for the dip in certain segments.
Parties Offer Divergent Interpretations
Kerala’s major political fronts offered contrasting interpretations of the turnout surge. The ruling LDF described higher participation as a sign of continued public support, while the UDF argued it reflected voter appetite for change. The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) also expressed optimism, anticipating gains in select constituencies.
These competing narratives underscore the significance of turnout patterns in shaping electoral outcomes.
Mobilisation and Electoral Roll Revision Drive Participation
Political observers attribute the higher turnout to coordinated mobilisation efforts by major parties and administrative measures. Analyst Hameed Chennamangaloor noted that both the LDF and UDF effectively activated their organisational networks on polling day, contributing to strong voter engagement.
He added that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and widespread digital outreach may have encouraged higher participation, particularly among first-time and previously inactive voters.
With turnout trends varying across districts and constituencies, the outcome in the Malabar region is expected to depend on how increased participation translates into vote shares for competing alliances.
