Thiruvananthapuram, May 6 -- The United Democratic Front's sweeping win in Kerala's Assembly elections was driven in large part by the strong performance of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), especially in its stronghold of Malappuram and across the Malabar region. The elections also marked a milestone as Fathima Thahiliya became the first woman elected as an MLA on an IUML ticket.

The IUML, the second-largest partner in the UDF after the Congress, won 22 of the 27 seats it contested, its highest-ever tally. It swept all 12 seats in Malappuram, while the Congress secured the remaining four seats in the district.

The party also registered surprise victories in constituencies such as Kalamassery and Perambra. In Kalamassery, its candi...