Thiruvananthapuram, March 16 Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Ratan U Khelkar on Monday outlined a comprehensive plan for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections, scheduled for April 9, emphasizing a target of 85 per cent voter turnout.
Adopting the official slogan "Our Vote, Our Pride," the CEO stressed that the Election Commission's primary objective is to ensure that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to exercise their franchise.
He was speaking at a meeting of political parties convened here.
Addressing concerns over "urban apathy," Khelkar noted that recent surveys revealed a decline in youth participation, prompting a new initiative to re-engage young voters and transform polling stations into hubs under the motto "Celebration of Democracy."
To ensure inclusivity, all polling booths will be designed to be senior-citizen friendly.
Furthermore, the 2026 elections will prioritize environmental sustainability, he said.
In collaboration with the Suchitwa Mission, the state's sanitation and waste management agency, the Commission plans to conduct an "environmentally responsible election," strictly adhering to green protocols, the official explained.
During the session, Additional Chief Electoral Officer P B Nooh announced the constitution of a high-level screening committee under the leadership of the Chief Secretary to oversee election-related processes.
The meeting also saw active participation from representatives of major political parties.
CPI(M) leader A A Rahim urged the commission to ensure that the green protocol is implemented with practical precision on the ground, while R Harikumar, representing the Congress, requested that a formal checklist be provided to all political parties to maintain transparency and procedural clarity throughout the electoral period.
The Assembly elections in Kerala will be held in a single phase on April 9, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.