Kerala exit polls 2026 results date and time: When and where to watch the predictions?
VOTING for the Kerala assembly election was held in a single phase on Thursday, with over 2.6 crore voters heading to polling booths. They decided the fate of 883 candidates contesting across 140 constituencies.
The LDF, led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is aiming for a rare second consecutive term in a state known for alternating governments. Its campaign has focused on its welfare record, while the UDF, led by VD Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala, targeted the government over anti-incumbency and alleged governance lapses.
The current assembly’s term ends on 23 May 2026, with the last election held in April 2021. According to the Election Commission, Kerala has 26,953,644 eligible voters, including 13,126,048 males, 13,827,319 females, and 277 transgender voters.
Speaking after casting his vote, Vijayan said the LDF continues to enjoy public trust. “False propaganda cannot defeat the LDF… We are with the people, and the people are with us,” he said.
Why are there no exit polls now?
Under Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, conducting or publicising exit polls before polling ends is strictly prohibited. There were no exit polls on Thursday because voting would be held in multiple phases. The exit polls for the Assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are expected to be released on the evening of April 29.
What are exit polls?
Exit polls are surveys that ask voters who they voted for, along with questions about their political views, the issues that influenced their choice, and details about their background. It aims to gauge electoral trends before official results are announced. Exit polls are mostly conducted with voters as they leave a polling station during an election.
Are exit polls always accurate?
In 2021, most exit polls predicted that the LDF would win 104-120 seats, whereas the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) was predicted to be reduced to 20-36 constituencies. The BJP was projected to end with 0-2 seats.
In 2021, the incumbent LDF, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), returned to power with a historic win, securing 99 of the 140 seats.
The LDF not only improved on its 2016 Assembly performance but also rebounded strongly from its weak showing in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
When and where to watch exit polls?
You can track the latest exit poll predictions and analysis on Moneycontrol.com, along with the most comprehensive Assam assembly election coverage. Additionally, exit polls will be broadcast live on CNN-News18.
