As open campaigning for the assembly elections came to an end on Tuesday (April 7), Wayanad is gearing up for polls on Thursday (April 9).
District Electoral Officer and District Collector DR Meghashree said that all preparations for the elections have been completed. She directed the nodal officials to re-examine and ensure all arrangements for transparent and fair elections. The Collector also urged the public to exercise their franchise.
The district has a total of 6,43,625 voters, of which 3,29,038 are women, 3,14,584 are men and three are transgender voters. Sultan Bathery has the highest number of voters (2,25,329) followed by Kalpetta (2,12,881) and Mananthavady (2,05,415). Kalpetta has two transgender voters and Sultan Bathery has one.
A total of 715 polling stations have been set up in the district, including 237 in Mananthavady, 227 in Kalpetta and 251 in Sultan Bathery. Special all-female polling stations were set up in all three constituencies. All officials, including security personnel at these booths, will be women. A fully accessible polling station manned by multi-skilled staff has been set up at Sultan Bathery. In addition, one Gen-Z themed stall was organized in each constituency.
There are 166 critical polling stations across the district, including 87 in Mananthavady, 42 in Kalpetta and 37 in Sultan Bathery. These cabins will have enhanced security, including micro-observers and armed forces, officials said.
All 715 polling stations will be under camera surveillance. A control room set up at the Collectorate will monitor the polling process to ensure transparency and efficiency. Around 30 officials will monitor the live feed throughout the voting process. Any discrepancies will be resolved immediately through nodal officials.
The meeting, presided over by District Superintendent of Police Arun K. Pavithran, reviewed the election security arrangements. Over 3,000 security personnel were deployed. Border controls, patrols and vehicle checks will be strengthened.
A special polling facility has been set up for Chooralmala voters. The polling booth earlier at Crescent English Medium School, Vellarimala, has been shifted to Government Higher Secondary School, Meppadi.
Ms. Meghashree said KSRTC buses would be arranged for around 700 voters affected by the Mundakkai–Chooralmala disaster. Eight buses will run on April 9 at 11:00 and 14:30 from several locations to the polling stations.
Published – 07 Apr 2026 20:16 IST
