The measures of democratic renewal activated in Spain to alleviate the impact of the economic and political crisis have once again spotlighted attention to the debate about the convenience of changing the local electoral system to introduce the direct election of the Mayor. Based on the analysis of the Spanish electoral law, and taking some European experiences as comparative reference points, the article examines the appropriateness of such a move. On the one hand, it is argued that this particular reform would strengthen the accountability of the Mayor to the local electorate, thus enhancing the political legitimacy of the municipality. However, it may also cause dysfunctions in the ordinary activity of the Town council if other reforms in Spanish local government legislation are not addressed at the same time.