South Africa Prepares for 2026 Local Government Elections

Strategic Insights -

The Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa is gearing up for the 2026 Local Government Elections, with consultations underway with the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The current municipal councils, elected on November 1, 2021, will conclude their term on November 2, 2026, necessitating elections between November 2, 2026, and January 31, 2027. The Electoral Commission has begun analyzing voting districts to ensure geographic alignment with final ward boundaries.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IEC will hold elections for municipal councils between November 2, 2026, and January 31, 2027, following the conclusion of the current term on November 2, 2026.
  • The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) is set to conclude the ward delimitation process by the end of October 2025, with final ward boundaries to be handed over to the IEC.
  • The IEC has confirmed that the 2024 National and Provincial Elections met international standards for freeness and fairness and met constitutional and legal standards.
  • The Commission reported a record 27.78 million registered voters in the 2024 elections, the highest number since the introduction of the voters' roll in 1999.
  • Increased litigation was observed in the 2024 elections, with 88 cases challenging various aspects of the electoral process, of which the Electoral Commission prevailed in all except one.
  • An appeal is pending in the Supreme Court of Appeal regarding the establishment of special voting stations outside official foreign missions.
  • The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs welcomed the 2024 elections report, acknowledged areas for improvement, and commended the IEC for delivering free, fair, and credible elections.

Statistics:

  • 27.78 million registered voters in the 2024 elections (the highest number since 1999)
  • 88 cases of litigation challenging electoral process aspects in 2024 elections
  • 1 case in which the Electoral Commission did not prevail (relating to establishing special voting stations outside official foreign missions)
  • 1 appeal pending in the Supreme Court of Appeal
  • November 1, 2021 - date of election of current municipal councils
  • November 2, 2026 - date of conclusion of current term of municipal councils
  • January 31, 2027 - end date of scheduled elections for municipal councils

Sources:

  • SAnews.gov.za
  • The Electoral Commission (IEC)
  • The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB)
  • The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs
  • Supreme Court of Appeal