Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: From first votes to protests: polling day snap shots from coastal constituencies of Kochi and Vypeen in Ernakulam

Explore the vibrant polling day in Kochi and Vypeen during the 2026 Kerala Assembly Elections, highlighting voter enthusiasm and local protests.

Salim, 36, who ekes out a living through miscellaneous jobs, had a more critical task to perform on Thursday (April 9, 2026) morning.

A well-built man, his physique bearing testimony to the rigours of daily labour, Salim took pride in being the first to cast his vote when polling commenced at booth number 87 of M.M. Oriental Vocational Higher Secondary School, Panayappilly, in the Kochi Assembly constituency at 7 a.m. Whether a good omen or not, brisk polling followed, with long queues forming outside the booth thereafter.

Sainudheen, booth agent of the United Democratic Front (UDF) at the minority-dominated Panayappilly, has traditionally witnessed heavy morning polling every election. Though the seat has twice been held by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) through K.J. Maxy, he expressed confidence that Mohammed Shiyas would tilt the balance in favour of the UDF this time, even predicting a margin of 25,000 votes.

For Nasia Parvin, a BSc student, the day carried no political undertones but the thrill of casting her first vote. She was soon joined by Mohammed Aslam, a second-year BCom student. “We don’t discuss politics seriously, but my friends and I were determined to vote and participate in democracy,” he said. Their enthusiasm, however, was dampened by the absence of halwa for the first-time voters promised by the Election Commission of India.

Heavy polling was also reported at the model booth at the Homoeo Dispensary in Chakkamadom, where the queue of male voters snaked onto the road. “The line seems to be moving slowly,” complained Younus who was waiting for his turn. Officials at the help desk clarified that voting was proceeding at a steady pace, with only minor delays caused by elderly voters requiring more time.

A 10-minute ride on the Ro-Ro vessel separated Kochi from the neighbouring Vypeen constituency where polling seemed more subdued. At St. Mary’s LP School, Murukkumpadam, voters strolled in and out at a leisurely pace. “A booth with over 1,200 voters has now been split into two, halving the numbers. Naturally, there is no rush,” explained a polling official.