Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In preparation for the upcoming municipal elections, the State Election Commission (SEC) has revised the composition of municipal wards across Goa, increasing representation in several urban local bodies after carrying out a fresh assessment based on population data.
Among the major changes, Mormugao Municipal Council has received the highest increase in ward strength, moving from 21 to 27 wards. Margao Municipal Council has also been expanded and will now have 27 elected representatives instead of 24.
The restructuring follows the Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, which introduced a new method for delimitation by making population the primary basis for determining ward strength.
Apart from Mormugao and Margao, six other municipal councils have undergone revisions. Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council will now have 17 wards, an increase from the earlier 15. Bicholim and Cuncolim have each gained one additional ward, taking their total count to 15.
Quepem Municipal Council has been expanded to 14 wards from 13, while Canacona Municipal Council’s strength has risen from 12 to 13 wards.
At the same time, the SEC has decided to retain the existing structure in some municipalities. Mapusa Municipal Council will continue with 20 wards, while Valpoi, Pernem and Sanguem municipal councils will remain unchanged with 10 wards each.
State Election Commissioner Menino D’Souza issued the notification confirming the revised ward structure and also announced the commencement of the delimitation process for all 11 municipal councils.
To conduct the exercise, the SEC has appointed Electoral Registration Officers and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers to supervise the redrawing of ward boundaries.
According to the Commission, the delimitation process is being carried out using population figures from the 2011 Census, as required under the amended legislation.
The SEC further clarified that the earlier delimitation exercise started in March stands cancelled after the promulgation of the Ordinance. Once the delimitation work is completed, the reservation of seats and subsequent election notification process will begin.
