Thiruvananthapuram, Dec. 9 -- Polling in the Vizhinjam ward of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has been postponed following the sudden demise of independent candidate Justin Francis.
District Election Officer and Sub-Collector O V Alfred confirmed that the decision was taken in accordance with election rules, which mandate postponement of polling if a contesting candidate dies before the voting process begins.
Election officials clarified that the postponement applies only to the Vizhinjam ward, and polling in all other wards is proceeding as scheduled.
The candidate's death was formally reported to the State Election Commission yesterday evening. The Commission subsequently initiated the required procedures to defer the election.
Of...