The elections for members of standing committees in local bodies across the state will be held from January 5 to January 7, confirmed State Election Commissioner A. Shajahan on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Once members are elected, chairpersons of these committees will be selected next. Local bodies have multiple committees: Grama and Block Panchayats have finance, development, welfare, and health and education committees. District Panchayats have five committees: finance, development, works, welfare, and health and education. Municipalities elect members to six panels: finance, development, welfare, health, works, and education and arts/sports. The six Corporations have eight committees, adding town planning and tax appeal to the usual panels. The returning officers in Grama Panchayats and Blocks will conduct elections for committee members and chairpersons, while Additional District Magistrates are the returning officers for Corporations and District Panchayats. Returning officers for municipalities have also been appointed by the SEC. There is a notable reservation of one seat for women in all committees, including finance. The SEC has also issued notifications reserving chairperson posts for women. Elections to reserved posts will be conducted first. If candidates surpass the number of posts, a preferential voting system will be used, explained the SEC. These elections mark a step forward in local governance with emphasis on gender representation and fair voting processes.