Andhra Pradesh: Local Body Mayors and Chairpersons likely to have direct elections

The alliance government in Andhra Pradesh seems to have considering a major change in the method of local government elections. The primary objective of changing the electoral system is to make the elections of Mandal Parishad Presidents, Zilla Parishad Chairpersons, Municipal Chairpersons and Mayors direct elections and not indirect.

Historical background

Earlier, Mandal Parishad Presidents and Zilla Parishad Chairpersons were directly elected. However, a new Panchayat Raj System was introduced in such a way that elected members of MPTC and ZPTC elected their respective Parishad Presidents.

What the government is planning?

The current alliance government seems to have contemplating to amend the constitution to provide for direct elections to MPPs and ZPPs like election for Sarpanches and also for MLAs and ministers. This would enable them to serve their five year term without the challenges of no-confidence motions.

Earlier, the TDP government had tried to cancel the posts of MPTC and ZPTC members contending that they did not have any powers. But, it could not do so. This new government also feels that direct elections to these posts would strengthen the local bodies.

The Panchayat Raj system in Andhra Pradesh was initiated in 1959. The 73 rd Constitutional Amendment of 1992 and the Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj Act of 1994 have shaped today's system of local governance in the state. The three-tier system of Gram Panchayat, Mandal Parishad and Zilla Parishad was formed followed by direct election for members of the Gram Panchayat, MPTC and ZPTC. The elections for the members of MPTC and ZPTC were held for the first time in 1995.

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Pavan Bandari

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I am content writer with six years of experience in entertainment and politics besides other modules as well.