Andhra Pradesh Restores Direct Mayor Elections After 18 Years
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Panchayati Raj & urban local bodies· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly passed the Municipal Laws (Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2026 to restore direct elections for Mayors and Chairpersons after an 18-year hiatus.
Background
The bill amends Section 90 of the Municipal Corporations Act (1955) and Section 23 of the Municipalities Act (1965). It establishes a five-year term for Mayors and Chairpersons and rationalizes deputy offices to one Deputy Mayor and one Vice-Chairperson.
Facts for Prelims
- Act / BillMunicipal Corporations Act, 1955 and Municipalities Act, 1965 govern urban local bodies in Andhra Pradesh.
- FactDirect elections for Mayors and Chairpersons were suspended in Andhra Pradesh since August 6, 2005.
- FactThe new amendment sets a fixed five-year term for the positions of Mayor and Chairperson.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how the restoration of direct elections for urban local body heads can enhance democratic decentralization and improve urban governance in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Democratic legitimacy
- Accountability to citizens
- Impact on urban planning
- Fiscal autonomy of local bodies
Keywords: Democratic decentralization · Urban governance · Local self-government · Accountability · Legislative amendment
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