Mormugao gets biggest jump from 21 to 27 wards; Margao also gets 27 under population-based revision
PANAJI
Ahead of the municipal elections, the State Election Commission (SEC) has significantly increased representation in two of State’s largest urban bodies, with Mormugao Municipal Council recording the sharpest rise in ward strength from 21 to 27 wards, while Margao Municipal Council will now have 27 councillors instead of the existing 24.
The revision forms part of a wider restructuring exercise that has increased ward numbers in seven municipal councils based on population figures, while the strength of four municipalities have remained unchanged.
The SEC on Monday notified the revised ward structure for all 11 municipal councils following the Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, under which delimitation is now being undertaken based on population rather than electorate strength.
Besides Mormugao and Margao, ward strength has also been increased in Curchorem-Cacora, Bicholim, Cuncolim, Quepem and Canacona municipal councils, while Mapusa, Valpoi, Pernem and Sanguem will retain their existing number of wards.
As per the notification issued by State Election Commissioner Menino D’Souza, Curchorem-Cacora Municipal Council will now have 17 wards against the existing 15. Bicholim and Cuncolim municipal councils have each gained one additional ward, taking their strength to 15 from 14.
Quepem Municipal Council will now elect 14 councillors instead of 13, while Canacona Municipal Council has seen its ward count increase from 12 to 13.
Mapusa Municipal Council, however, will continue with 20 wards, while smaller Category-C municipalities – Valpoi, Pernem and Sanguem – will retain ten wards each.
The SEC has also initiated the delimitation exercise for all 11 municipal councils and appointed Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) to oversee the ward division process.
The notification states that the delimitation is being carried out by taking into account the population in the respective municipal areas as per the 2011 Population Census, in line with the amended municipal law.
The earlier delimitation process initiated in March was declared null and void following the Ordinance. The delimitation process will be followed by reservation of seats and declaration of elections, thereafter.
