The counting of votes for the Kerala Assembly elections, which took place on April 9, 2026, is set to begin on Monday. This election features a high-stakes contest among the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), and the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Kerala recorded a voter turnout of 79.63%, with 27,142,952 electors participating across 140 constituencies. A total of 883 candidates contested in what has been described as one of the most competitive elections in recent years. The Chief Electoral Officer has confirmed that all arrangements for counting are complete, with the process set to start at 8 am across 140 counting centers. Security is tight, with 25 companies of central forces deployed alongside state police to ensure a safe counting environment. Exit polls suggest a close contest, with the UDF potentially regaining power after being out of office since 2016. The LDF is aiming for a third consecutive term, while the NDA seeks to bolster its presence in the state.