The Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Mayor's post has been reserved for women, as per a government order issued on October 12, 2026. This decision, outlined in GO No. 252, will be implemented in the upcoming civic polls.
These forthcoming GVMC elections will mark the return of direct mayoral elections in Visakhapatnam after a gap of 26 years. The last time residents directly elected their Mayor was in 2000, when Rajana Ramani won the post under the former Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation.
Following changes to the municipal election system, Mayors were subsequently elected by corporators. This system removed the direct electoral power from the citizens for their city's top post.
However, the Municipal Laws (Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2026, has restored the direct election system for Mayors and Chairpersons of urban local bodies. This bill also ensures a fixed five-year term for these positions.
This development provides the people of Visakhapatnam with a more direct say in their city's governance. The reservation of the Mayor's post for women will also increase female representation in local government, further strengthening the democratic process.
