Kannur district has started counting votes for local body elections at 20 centres. Panchayat votes are counted at block centres. Municipalities and Corporation count votes at their own centres. Postal ballots for district panchayats are counted separately at the collectorate under the District Collector’s watch. Counting started at 8 a.m. Officials first check the seals and tags on control units openly with candidates and agents present. Postal ballots are counted first at the Returning Officer’s table. Then votes from electronic voting machines are counted, also in the presence of candidates or their agents. Security is strong across the district ahead of counting days on December 12 and 13, 2025. Police increased patrolling and special squads from Central forces and police are deployed in sensitive areas. Political parties must inform authorities beforehand about any victory celebrations. The use of firecrackers is limited. Since Thursday night, strict security is in place around all counting centres with central forces on guard. Police directed parties to remove all election banners and posters by 6 p.m. on counting day. This follows Election Commission rules requiring campaign materials to be cleared within 24 hours after voting. Celebrations near counting centres will be closely monitored.