Panaji: The State Election Commission (SEC), Goa, has declared the ongoing ward delimitation exercise for the forthcoming general elections to 11 municipal councils as null and void following amendments introduced through
the Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026.
In an order issued by the Commission, State Election Commissioner Menino D’Souza said the delimitation exercise undertaken for the
municipal councils of Pernem, Valpoi, Bicholim, Mapusa, Mormugao, Margao, Cuncolim, Quepem, Canacona, Curchorem-Cacora and Sanguem had become infructuous after the promulgation of the ordinance.
The State Election Commission had earlier initiated the process of division of municipal areas into wards through a series of orders and public notices issued between February and March under Sections 9 and 10 of the Goa Municipalities Act, 1968.
However, the Urban Development Department informed the Commission on April 24 that the Goa Municipalities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 had been published in the Official Gazette.
The ordinance introduced amendments to Sections 9, 10 and 11 of the Goa Municipalities Act, altering the legal framework governing ward delimitation and reservation.
The development is expected to delay the process for the forthcoming municipal elections as ward delimitation will now have to be undertaken afresh under the amended law.
