Voting begins in key Kerala local body polls

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: (Dec 9) Voters in seven districts of Kerala began casting ballots on Tuesday in the first phase of crucial local elections, viewed by many as a key indicator ahead of next year's state legislative assembly contest.

Polling began at 7 am for the local bodies in seven districts -- Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam with ballots being cast until 6 pm.

Electorates in the remaining districts- Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, Wayanad and Kasaragod- will vote on December 11.