Malappuram Poll Machinery in Action: EVMs Ready, Mock Polls Completed
The political atmosphere in Kerala’s Nilambur constituency is heating up as the much-anticipated Nilambur by-elections 2025 approach on June 19. With over 2.32 lakh eligible voters preparing to cast their vote, the district administration and election authorities are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring a free, fair, and tamper-proof election. In a decisive move, Executive Magistrate Rasheed declared that every vehicle heading toward Nilambur will be subject to mandatory inspection, regardless of the political stature or office held by the occupants. The only exception granted is for official police vehicles.
This bold and transparent approach by the Kerala Election Commission aims to prevent the misuse of power, stop the transport of illegal funds or personnel, and establish a new benchmark in election security enforcement in Kerala.
Kerala Cracks Down: Even MP Convoys to Face Poll-Time Checks
In a first-of-its-kind announcement ahead of a Kerala bypoll, Executive Magistrate Rasheed confirmed that even Members of Parliament (MPs) and elected representatives will not be spared from routine inspections.
“All vehicles heading towards Nilambur will be subjected to inspection. Even the MP’s vehicle will be checked. Only official police vehicles will be exempted,” he told reporters.
#WATCH | Malappuram, Kerala | Security heightened ahead of the bypolls in Nilambur Assembly constituency; Police carry out strict vehicle checking.
— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2025
The polling for the Nilambur bypolls will be held on June 19. pic.twitter.com/lSwyUCdDRW
This directive underscores a significant policy shift, as political VIPs often bypass scrutiny during elections. The Nilambur by-election 2025 will now witness uniform enforcement of election code of conduct, promoting equality and accountability. The move has been widely welcomed by citizens and civil society, who see it as a long-overdue correction to a decades-old culture of selective enforcement during polls.
Security teams will be stationed at entry points leading into Nilambur, monitoring vehicular movement 24/7 until polling concludes. Any unauthorized campaign materials, cash flow, or unaccounted transport of party workers will be dealt with under the Representation of the People Act and relevant election laws.
EVM Preparations and District-Level Poll Readiness in Malappuram
Beyond security checks, election machinery is already in full swing in Malappuram district. The Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) units have undergone testing and randomisation. According to reports, the second phase of EVM randomisation concluded between June 9–11, and mock polling was successfully conducted.
The administration has also written to the Election Commission seeking clarification on whether the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) applies to the entire district or just the Nilambur constituency. This reflects the political sensitivity and logistical importance of the Nilambur Assembly bypoll, particularly given Malappuram’s history of high voter turnout and active political engagement.
With polling booths, EVMs, security forces, and district officials aligned for a smooth electoral process, Nilambur is being seen as a test case for electoral reform and security enforcement in South India.
