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Politics
Andhra Pradesh Assembly Passes Bill to Restore Direct Election of Mayors
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 19 Aug 2026, 09:03 PM
👁 5
The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly has approved a bill that reinstates direct elections for mayors and chairpersons of urban local bodies.
The state legislature convened earlier this week and voted in favour of a bill aimed at reviving the direct election of mayors and chairpersons of urban local bodies (ULBs). The measure received majority support from members across party lines, reflecting a consensus on the need for stronger local governance.
Under the new legislation, citizens of municipal corporations and municipalities will once again cast votes directly for their mayor and ULB chairperson, a practice that had been replaced by indirect elections through elected councillors. The bill also outlines the procedural framework for conducting these elections, including timelines and eligibility criteria.
Stakeholders anticipate that restoring direct elections will enhance accountability, as elected leaders will be answerable directly to the electorate rather than to party hierarchies. The state government has indicated that the bill will be sent to the Governor for assent within the next few days, after which the electoral process can be scheduled.
If enacted, the change is expected to align Andhra Pradesh with several other Indian states that already practice direct mayoral elections, potentially improving urban service delivery and citizen participation in local affairs.
Under the new legislation, citizens of municipal corporations and municipalities will once again cast votes directly for their mayor and ULB chairperson, a practice that had been replaced by indirect elections through elected councillors. The bill also outlines the procedural framework for conducting these elections, including timelines and eligibility criteria.
Stakeholders anticipate that restoring direct elections will enhance accountability, as elected leaders will be answerable directly to the electorate rather than to party hierarchies. The state government has indicated that the bill will be sent to the Governor for assent within the next few days, after which the electoral process can be scheduled.
If enacted, the change is expected to align Andhra Pradesh with several other Indian states that already practice direct mayoral elections, potentially improving urban service delivery and citizen participation in local affairs.