Kannur set for counting amid tight security

The counting of votes for the local body election will be held at 20 centres in Kannur district.

Counting for panchayats will take place at block-level centres, while municipalities and the Corporation will count votes at their respective centres. Postal ballots for the district panchayats will be counted separately at the collectorate under the supervision of the District Collector. Counting will begin at 8 a.m.

Officials will first verify the seals and special tags on the control units kept at the counting tables in the presence of candidates or their counting and election agents before starting the process. Postal ballots will be counted first at the Returning Officer’s table, followed by votes recorded in the electronic voting machines. Counting at each table will take place in the presence of the candidates or their authorised counting agents.

Security beefed up

Police have stepped up security across the district ahead of vote counting, with intensified patrolling planned for Friday (December 12, 2025) and Saturday (December 13, 2025) evenings at key locations. Special squads of Central forces and police will be deployed in sensitive areas.

Political parties have been instructed to provide prior information about victory celebrations. The use of firecrackers will also be restricted. Strict security has been in place around counting centres since Thursday night, with central forces and police deployed in and around the premises. Celebrations near the counting centres will be regulated.

Police have directed political parties to remove all banners and posters put up for election campaigning by 6 p.m. According to Election Commission guidelines, campaign materials must be cleared within 24 hours of polling.