In a vibrant push to engage young voters ahead of the 2026 Kerala Assembly elections, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar kicked off his state visit with a special event in Kochi. On Friday morning, he visited the picturesque Goshree Bridge area, where he administered the ‘Voters’ Pledge’ to enthusiastic youth. This initiative aims to inspire greater participation in the democratic process among the Gen-Z crowd.
The Election Commission of India highlighted Kumar’s active involvement in awareness programs tailored for young electorate. At Goshree Bridge, he not only led the pledge but also took a leisurely walk with the youths, fostering direct interaction. The highlight was the launch of the ‘Gen-Z Anthem’, a catchy tune designed to resonate with younger demographics and boost voter turnout.
Kumar, leading a high-level delegation that includes Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, arrived in Kerala on Thursday. Their agenda includes a thorough review of election preparedness. The team inspected Durbar Hall Ground in Kochi and held discussions with local officials to assess logistical arrangements.
Over the next two days, March 6 and 7, the commission plans meetings with political party representatives and senior bureaucrats. This proactive outreach underscores the ECI’s commitment to seamless polls in the state.
Adding a personal touch, Kumar reminisced about his past tenure as Ernakulam District Collector from 2001 to 2004. A 1988-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, he expressed delight at returning after 22 years. ‘I’m back to serve the people of Ernakulam, this time as CEC,’ he shared warmly.
With the current 140-member Kerala Assembly’s term ending in May, the stakes are high. Pinarayi Vijayan’s Left Democratic Front government faces tough competition from Congress and BJP in the upcoming battle. Initiatives like these could play a pivotal role in shaping youth involvement.