Alappuzha's local body elections are underway with 5,219 candidates competing for 1,666 seats after the State Election Commission announced polls for December. The delimitation exercise added 101 new seats, including 84 panchayat wards, increasing political stakes. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) dominated previous polls, winning 53 of 72 panchayats, while the United Democratic Front (UDF) dropped from 17 to 14 panchayats. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by BJP, made gains in vote share but was denied power by coalition and independent alliances. The BJP-led NDA aims to convert its rising vote share into seats this time, supported by the Bharath Dharma Jana Sena (BDJS). Independents, ruling five panchayats, are key influencers who may sway results. Parties have already nominated Independents as candidates in some areas. In municipalities, LDF currently controls three, UDF two, and Mavelikara is split evenly with nine seats each among the three fronts. UDF holds power in Mavelikara with support from Independents and Janadhipathya Kerala Congress. LDF leads in Kayamkulam, Cherthala, and Alappuzha municipalities. The number of municipal wards rose from 215 to 219, making new wards crucial for the power balance. At higher levels, LDF holds 11 of 12 block panchayats and remains strong in the district panchayat, controlling 21 of 24 divisions after delimitation. Key local issues like paddy farmers’ dissatisfaction over payment delays and fears among coastal communities about displacement from the coastal highway project may influence voter choices in this tight race.