Thiruvananthapuram,12 Jan (H.S.):By-elections to three local body wards across Kerala, which were earlier postponed following the deaths of contesting candidates, are to be held today. Polling will take place from 7 am to 6 pm, election authorities said.

The elections are being conducted in wards belonging to three different local self-government institutions in the state. These include the Payimpadam ward of Moothedam grama panchayat in Malappuram district, the Onakkur ward of Pampakuda grama panchayat in Ernakulam district, and the Vizhinjam ward of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

Arrangements for polling have been completed, with officials deploying adequate personnel to ensure smooth and peaceful voting. Security has been tightened in all three wards, and election officials said voters would be able to cast their ballots without disruption.

The counting of votes in all the wards is scheduled to take place tomorrow, following which the results will be officially declared.

Among the three by-elections, the contest in the Vizhinjam division of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has drawn particular political attention. The outcome is expected to play a decisive role in determining the balance of power in the civic body.

At present, the BJP holds 50 seats in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. The party has been able to retain control of the corporation with the support of an Independent councillor. A victory in the Vizhinjam ward would allow the BJP to cross the halfway mark on its own, giving it a clear majority without relying on external support.

Political parties have stepped up last-minute campaigning in the ward, treating the by-election as a prestige contest. The result is expected to be closely watched for its immediate impact on the corporation as well as its broader political implications in the state capital.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman