Kozhikode: Polling picked up steadily across North Kerala today as voters in several districts took part in the second and final phase of the state’s local body elections. Long queues were seen outside many booths in Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod as people arrived early to cast their votes.

This phase covers 604 local bodies, including 470 grama panchayats, 77 block panchayats, seven district panchayats, 47 municipalities and three corporations. A total of 38,994 candidates are in the fray across 12,391 wards, making this one of the most closely observed elections in recent years. Around 1.53 crore voters are eligible to vote in this phase.

The first phase of the election, held on December 9 in central and southern Kerala, recorded a turnout of 70.91 percent. Observers e

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