The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) indicated that the 2026 local government elections will likely take place between 2 November 2026 and 31 January 2027, though it has not set an exact date.
IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs will officially call the election after consultation with the Commission.
He said the Minister and the Commission have begun consultations, but they have not yet concluded.
Record Number of Political Parties
Since the 2024 general elections, the IEC has registered 34 new political parties. Bringing the total number of officially registered parties to a record 472.
Despite the surge, only 18 parties currently hold seats in Parliament, underscoring the gap between party registration and electoral success.
Preparing Political Contestants
Mamabolo said the IEC will hold information sessions from November 2025 for registered but unrepresented parties and aspiring independent candidates to prepare them for the upcoming elections.
“These sessions will ensure that political contestants understand electoral processes and can participate fully,” he said.
Electoral Stability and Public Warning
Mamabolo stressed that the IEC must maintain stability, transparency, and accuracy as more parties enter the political arena.
He also cautioned the public about fake job adverts and fraudulent pages falsely claiming IEC affiliation.
“These scams are designed to mislead people into sharing personal information,” he warned.
Do you think the IEC’s tentative election window gives political parties enough time to prepare for the 2026 local government elections?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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