Kerala: Voting begins on a peaceful note

Kozhikode, Dec 4: Voting for the Thiruvambadi assembly byelection in Kerala began on a peaceful note at 0700 hrs today amid tight security.

There are six candidates, including Left Democratic Front's George M Thomas (CPI-M) and United Democratic Front's V M Ummer (IUML), in the fray.

The others comprise BJP candidate Gireesh Thevally and three Independents.

Their electoral fortunes would be decided by 160,984 voters, including 82,035 women, in the bypoll necessitated due to the death of CPI (M) member Mathai Chacko.

Tight security arrangements were in force in the constituency, which has 153 polling booths.

UNI