Concejala

Concejala is the feminine form of concejal, used to refer to a female member of a municipal council in Spain and many Spanish-speaking countries. The term denotes an elected official who participates in local governance and policy making.

In municipal government, the concejales form the deliberative body of the city or town council (ayuntamiento). They debate and approve measures such as local ordinances, budgets, and urban planning. Concejalas typically serve on commissions or committees and may hold specific portfolios (for example, culture, housing, or public works). They participate in plenary sessions, vote on council decisions, and supervise the municipal administration, often in collaboration with the mayor (alcaldesa or alcalde) and the Junta de Gobierno Local or equivalent executive bodies.

Election and role scope: Concejales are elected by residents in local elections, usually for fixed terms (commonly four years). They may belong to political groups, which influence council leadership and committee assignments. The mayor or alcaldesa is selected from among concejales and leads the executive branch, directing policy implementation and administration. Concejalas contribute to transparency and accountability by overseeing public services and representing the interests of their constituents.

Variations and usage: The term is widely used in Spain and Latin America, with gendered forms reflecting linguistic gender. While the core function—participation in local governance—remains similar, specific powers, governance structures, and nomenclatures can vary by country and municipality.

Etymology: The word derives from concejo, meaning a council or deliberative body, with -ala as a feminine suffix in many Romance languages. Concejala thus denotes a woman member of a council.