[Also read: UP panchayat poll results: BJP loses 50 of 58 seats in PM Modi's Varanasi]

The first phase of the two-phase Kerala local body elections recorded 77.83% voter turnout at the end of the day.

The first phase of the election covered Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Idukki, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod districts.

Wayanad district recorded highest poll percentage with 80% turnout, while Thiruvananthapuram had the least with 72% polling. 

The panchayat and municipal elections will conclude with the second phase on 5 November, while the results will be declared on 7 November.

The major coalitions -- the Congress-led United Democratic Front and the CPM-led Left Democratic Front -- will face stiff competition from the Bharatiya Janata Party.

District-wise voter turnout

Thiruvananthapuram - 72%
Kollam - 74%
Idukki - 75%
Wayanad - 80%
Kozhikode - 74%
Kannur - 76%
Kasaragod - 77%

Below are live updates on Kerala panchayat and municipal elections:

5:15pm: 76% voter turnout till 5pm

4:20pm: Poll percentage recorded at 71% till 4:15pm

3:40pm: 66% polling recorded till 3:30pm

3:15pm: 55% voter turnout recorded till 3pm

2:31pm: Poll percentage reaches 52.7% at 2:30pm

2:14pm: 45% polling recorded till 2pm

1:04pm: 42% voter turnout till 1pm

12:15pm: Poll percentage reaches 34% till 12pm.

12:02pm: BJP booth agent collapses in Ranipuram, Kasaragod.

11:48am: 30% voter turnout recorded till 11:30am

11:40am: 60% record voter turnout in Edamalkkudy panchayat of Idukki district

11:20am: Rain disrupts polling in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts

11am: 27% polling recorded till 11am

10:30am: 22% voter turnout till 10:30am

10am: 21% voting recorded till 10am

9:45am: Polling disrupted in Pariyaram panchayat of Kannur after LDF supporters damage webcasting machines.

9:30am: 17% voter turnout 

9am: 14% polling till 9am

8:30am: LDF candidate Jerome contesting in Perinad panchayat of Kollam district was stabbed by unidentified people. He has been hospitalised.