In a significant move aimed at reinforcing democratic transparency, Chandigarh will now elect its Mayor, Senior Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Mayor through an open voting system conducted by a show of hands instead of the earlier method of secret ballot. The administrative reform, officially approved by Chandigarh Administrator and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, marks a pivotal step toward making municipal elections more accountable and participatory.
The decision was formalized with the approval of an amendment to Regulation 6 of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (Procedure and Conduct of Business) Regulations, 1996. This regulatory change comes in the wake of a resolution passed earlier by the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh during a formal House meeting. The new electoral method has been implemented under the legal framework provided by Section 398(2) of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, which is applicable in the Union Territory of Chandigarh under the provisions of the Chandigarh Administration Act, 1994.
Governor Kataria, while sharing details of the reform, underscored that the show-of-hands voting mechanism is expected to usher in a new era of electoral clarity, thereby deepening public trust in democratic institutions. He emphasized that this change would not only eliminate ambiguities associated with secret balloting but also make elected representatives more directly accountable to their constituents and peers. By allowing members to visibly demonstrate their support, the new process is intended to curb behind-the-scenes political maneuvering and ensure that the true will of the House is transparently reflected.
The reform is also being hailed as a mechanism to discourage vote-trading and opaque alliances that sometimes mar the credibility of local elections. With the spotlight on every member’s vote, stakeholders believe it could pave the way for more responsible civic governance. Analysts and political observers in Chandigarh have welcomed the move, noting that it reflects an evolving democratic culture that prioritizes transparency and public scrutiny.
This shift is also expected to set a precedent for other municipal bodies across India, especially in Union Territories, where administrative oversight is more direct and reforms can be piloted with relatively quicker implementation. As cities grow in complexity and political influence, strengthening the accountability of elected local officials is becoming an urgent need. The Chandigarh administration’s decision aligns with this larger national discourse around governance reforms and democratic integrity at the grassroots level.
The change may also have a ripple effect on voter engagement and public participation, as greater visibility of municipal operations often translates into increased civic awareness and dialogue. Observers are keenly watching how this new electoral format unfolds in upcoming Corporation sessions and whether it influences similar transitions in other regions.
As Chandigarh adopts this open voting procedure, it positions itself as a progressive urban model where institutional reform is not just discussed but enacted. Whether this move will enhance operational efficiency within the Corporation or merely reshape political strategies remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly adds a new dimension to the evolving landscape of local governance in India.
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