Polling for the crucial second and final phase of Kerala’s local body elections began on Thursday morning across seven northern districts. Over 1.53 crore voters in Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod can cast their votes until 6 p.m. Those waiting in queue at closing time are allowed to vote. This phase follows the first round held on December 9 in southern districts. A total of 38,994 candidates are contesting for seats in 604 local bodies. These include 470 grama panchayats, 77 block panchayats, seven district panchayats, 47 municipalities, and three corporations—Kozhikode, Kannur, and Thrissur. Major political fronts like the ruling CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF), and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are locked in battle for local power. Security is tight, with over 2,000 polling booths declared vulnerable, especially in Kannur and Malappuram. Polling staff tested Electronic Voting Machines with mock votes an hour before polling began to ensure smooth, fair voting. The counting of votes for both phases will take place on December 13.