Kothamangalam: The State Election Commission has disqualified three rebel Congress members in Kavalangad panchayat, who had switched allegiance to the Left. The disqualified members include panchayat president Sibi Mathew, vice president Lisy Jolly, and welfare standing committee chairperson Usha Sivan.

The action comes after the trio defied the party and continued in their posts with Left Democratic Front (LDF) support.

With their disqualification, the 18-member governing body of the panchayat is now reduced to 15. Among the remaining members, the LDF holds a majority with 8 members, while the United Democratic Front (UDF) has 7.

Fresh elections will soon be held to fill the posts of president and vice president. A Left victory is certain in the polls given their current majority.