Chandigarh’s January Mayoral Poll: A Historic Election and a Test for Civic Governance

Published on: 24 Dec 2025 at 03:35 PM

Published by: Fact News

Fact News Service

Chandigarh, December 24: Chandigarh is gearing up for its mayoral election in January 2026, a contest that will also determine the posts of senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor. This election is notable not only for its timing but also for its significance: it will be the fifth and final mayoral term of the current Municipal Corporation, whose tenure spans from 2022 to 2026. With the term concluding in January, the polls mark the last opportunity for the present House to demonstrate administrative efficiency, political coherence, and commitment to civic governance.

The election process has formally begun, with the Municipal Corporation secretary initiating preparations by requesting the UT Deputy Commissioner to fix a date for the election meeting. The Deputy Commissioner is also tasked with nominating a councillor, who is not a candidate, to serve as the presiding officer of the election, in accordance with the legal framework that governs municipal elections. These steps ensure that the process follows statutory norms, providing both structure and legitimacy to the upcoming polls.

For this year, a key factor shaping the contest is reservation rules: the mayor’s post has been earmarked for a candidate belonging to the general category, in line with rotational reservation practices. This designation determines who can contest for the position, while the senior deputy mayor and deputy mayor posts are open to candidates as per eligibility regulations. Importantly, the entire election process must be completed before the current mayor’s term expires on January 29, 2026, leaving a tightly defined window for nominations, scrutiny, and the actual voting.

The nomination process is governed by specific procedural requirements. Each candidate must submit a nomination form in the prescribed format, signed by themselves and two other sitting councillors acting as proposer and seconder. The forms must be filed between 11 am and 5 pm, at least three clear days prior to the election meeting, allowing adequate time for scrutiny and objections if any. These regulations are designed to ensure transparency, prevent last-minute manipulations, and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

One of the most significant changes in this year’s election is the shift from secret ballot voting to open voting by a show of hands. This is unprecedented in Chandigarh’s Municipal Corporation history and reflects a deliberate move to increase transparency—or at least visibility—in the voting process. While the open voting method may reduce certain administrative complications, it also changes the dynamics of the election, potentially influencing how councillors align themselves politically and how parties strategize.

Administrative preparations are already underway to accommodate this change. The Deputy Commissioner will inspect the Municipal Corporation assembly hall and consult officials to ensure the new voting method is implemented smoothly. These logistical adjustments highlight the importance of the election not just as a procedural exercise, but as a test of the city’s institutional capacity to conduct fair and orderly polls under revised rules.

Beyond procedure, the election carries substantive significance for Chandigarh’s governance. The mayor, while serving a one-year term, plays a pivotal role in steering House proceedings, coordinating with the UT Administration, and setting civic priorities. With this being the final term of the current Corporation, the stakes are higher than usual. Residents expect tangible outcomes on long-standing civic challenges, including solid waste management, traffic congestion, parking shortages, road maintenance, and overall urban infrastructure. The mayor and councillors elected in January must focus on completing pending projects, improving coordination between departments, and ensuring continuity of initiatives, rather than engaging in political posturing.
Politically, the polls are also a barometer for party strength and strategy. With no further mayoral term to contest in this Corporation, councillors and parties are under pressure to demonstrate accountability for the decisions and performance of the current House. Alliances, voting behavior, and leadership choices in this election could influence political calculations in future municipal cycles.
In conclusion, Chandigarh’s January mayoral polls are more than a routine civic exercise. They are a test of efficiency, legal adherence, and transparency. The combination of a final-term election, the reservation of the mayoral post, and the historic shift to open voting makes this contest a watershed moment in the city’s governance. How the election is conducted, how councillors vote, and how the mayor leads in the coming year will determine whether this MC leaves behind a legacy of credibility—or another chapter of unfinished promise.