KOCHI: Over 22,000 NRIs have already arrived in Kerala, showcasing a robust enthusiasm among expatriate communities for this democratic exercise.

The influx of NRI voters, primarily hailing from Kerala and predominantly based in Gulf nations, has been notably high in the past few days, marking a distinct trend in this election cycle. According to official figures, Kerala boasts 89,839 registered NRI voters, a substantial demographic that holds significant sway in electoral outcomes.

To facilitate their return, NRI organizations, aligned with various political parties, have collaborated with travel agencies to coordinate affordable flight options. This concerted effort has led to booking around 12 chartered flights exclusively for NRI voters, with the final flight scheduled to depart from the UAE on Thursday.

The surge in NRI participation underscores the keen interest and sense of responsibility among overseas Kerala residents to contribute to the democratic process. Often termed “vote flights,” these mass return movements have become a customary feature during elections in Kerala, albeit with a noticeable uptick in numbers this time.

The Vadakara constituency, known for its substantial NRI voter base, has recently witnessed a significant influx of over 22,000 voters. This surge is attributed to the competitive electoral landscape in Vadakara, where UDF’s Shafi Parambil and CPI(M)’s KK Shailaja are engaged in a closely contested battle.

Parambil’s outreach efforts extended to the UAE, urging voters to prioritize their election participation. Such proactive campaigning reflects NRIs’ critical role in shaping Kerala’s electoral dynamics, especially in hotly contested constituencies like Vatakara.

Beyond Vadakara, sizable NRI contingents are also converging in districts like Kannur, Kozhikode, Palakkad, and Wayanad, further amplifying the impact of overseas voters in Kerala’s electoral narrative.