EFF to meet IEC after Malema’s election claims talks to focus on electoral system ahead of 2026 local polls

Who will lead the delegations

The EFF delegation will be led by Commander in Chief and President, Julius Sello Malema, while the IEC team will be led by its CEO, Mr Sy Mamabolo.

Why the meeting is happening

The engagement follows comments by Mr Malema about the 2024 national and provincial elections that the IEC disputed. On the Frank Dialogue podcast, Malema said the IEC had incorrectly entered results from the voting station where he cast his ballot in Limpopo.

IEC response and tensions

The IEC warned that such comments challenge the integrity of elections and reminded prominent politicians not to make unsubstantiated claims.

During the podcast, Malema acknowledged the potential consequences of questioning election results, saying:

“Questioning election results would place lives in his hands“

Context ahead of the 2026 municipal vote

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that South Africans will vote in municipal elections on 4 November 2026. The planned EFF–IEC meeting is framed as part of efforts by both organisations to strengthen processes ahead of that date.

A two-part report released by the Election Reform Consultation Panel also noted that voter apathy was at an all-time high ahead of the upcoming elections.

What to expect

Both parties have positioned the meeting as a discussion to address shared concerns about the electoral system and preparations for the municipal poll. Further details about the meeting’s agenda or outcomes have not been released.