The Election Commission (EC) has decided to conduct the election for three Rajya Sabha seats on April 12 as the term of three Kerala members is due to end on the same month because of their retirement. Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader Abdul Wahab, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader KK Ragesh and Congress's Vayalar Ravi are due to retire on April 21.
The EC is planning to conclude the process of biennial election by April 16.
According to reports, the notification on this matter will be released on March 24. The last date to file nomination will be March 31 and the examination of nominations will likely be completed by April 3. April 5 will be the last date to withdraw candidatures.
The Commission has decided to hold the election on April 12 between 9 am and 4 pm. The counting of votes will be completed on the same day at 5 pm.
The election process will strictly adhere to Covid-19 guidelines. It is mandatory that everyone must wear face masks during the election. The Chief Secretary of Kerala is asked to arrange a senior state official to ensure that Covid-19 instructions are strictly followed for conducting the biennial election. The EC has also appointed the Kerala Chief Electoral officer Tikaram Meena as the observer of the elections.
Meanwhile, Kerala Assembly elections will be held on April 6 to elect 140 MLAs to the 15th Legislative Assembly. The results will be announced on May 2.
