Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: 120 candidates file nominations in Ernakulam as deadline ends

As many as 120 candidates filed nominations in the district as the deadline to submit papers for the Assembly elections slated for April 9 ended on Monday (March 23). They filed a total of 221 nominations, including multiple sets, according to an official statement.

Those who submitted the nominations include official candidates announced by political parties, dummy candidates put up by parties, and Independents.

The highest number of candidates filed nominations for the Kalamassery constituency, with 12 contenders submitting their papers. As many as 11 candidates filed nominations for the Thripunithura constituency and 10 each for Paravur and Kothamangalam.

The number of nominations received from other constituencies is: Perumbavoor - 7, Angamaly - 9, Aluva - 5, Vypeen - 9, Kochi - 8, Ernakulam - 8, Thrikkakara - 7, Kunnathunad - 8, Piravom - 9, and Muvattupuzha - 7.

The candidates who submitted nominations include all sitting MLAs of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), except the Congress’ Thripunithura MLA K. Babu, who has opted out of electoral politics.

Prominent candidates who filed nominations on Monday include Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas, Muvattupuzha MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan and his contender from the LDF N. Arun.

Scrutiny of nominations will be held on March 24. The last date for withdrawal is March 26.