Tuesday, March 28 2006 13:56 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Thiruvananthapuram: The process of assembly elections in Kerala got underway today (Mar 28, 2006) with the filing of nominations beginning for 59 segments going to polls in the first phase on April 22. The first phase covers six southern districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthita, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Idukki.

The last date of filing nominations is April 4, scrutiny will be on April 5 and the last date for withdrawal is April 7, according to the office of Chief Eelectoral Officer here.

The second phase of polling scheduled for April 29 will cover 66 segments spread over Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts. Kannur and Kasrgode districts with 15 segments would go to polls on May 3 in the third and last phase.

The counting will take place on May 11. This is for the first time that state is having three-phase elections.