Malappuram, known as an IUML stronghold, is gearing up for local body polls on December 11. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) is confident its coalition, the United Democratic Front (UDF), will retain control and capture more seats from the Left Democratic Front (LDF). Out of 94 grama panchayats, UDF governs 68, up from 63 in 2020. IUML State secretary Abdurahman Randathani said, "This rise in the UDF’s seat tally reflects the coalition’s growing popularity in the district over the past five years." In the 12 municipalities, UDF controls nine while LDF controls three. The LDF aims to retain its strongholds and win at least two more municipalities. For block panchayats, UDF holds 12 of 15, but LDF hopes to boost its current three seats with new strategies. In the district panchayat, IUML leads with 21 of 32 divisions, Congress has six, and LDF five. After recent delimitation, one more division was added, making it 33 in total. Delimitation increased the total number of wards to 2,789 with 35.74 lakh voters. This includes 2,001 grama panchayat wards, 505 municipal wards, 33 district panchayat wards, and 250 block panchayat wards. Ponmundam grama panchayat is a unique spot where Congress and CPI(M) have allied against IUML. Still, Mr. Randathani said, "Yet we are confident of retaining the panchayat." Both UDF and LDF are placing Independent candidates in tough wards. LDF has more independents than UDF. Rebel candidates exist on both sides but are fewer than in 2020. Both fronts agree rebels may affect who wins control of local bodies.