IEC sets 4 November 2026 for local government elections, issues strict timetable

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has proclaimed 4 November 2026 as the date for the local government elections and published a strict timetable of deadlines and procedures leading up to polling day.

Voters’ roll closed and certified timetable announced

The voters’ roll closed at midnight on Friday after Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa gazetted the election date. The closure triggered an 89-day countdown to Election Day, and the IEC said no party or independent candidate will be allowed to miss deadlines.

The roll opens for inspection immediately, with objections closing on 18 August. Decisions on objections will be communicated by 24 August, and the certified roll will be published on 26 August.

Voter numbers and registration weekends

The IEC confirmed the voters’ roll now stands at 29 million, boosted by two registration weekends that together added two million new voters.

Candidate nominations and deadlines

Candidate nominations opened on Friday for a 21-day period and will close on 28 August at 5pm. Submissions must be made via the IEC’s online candidate nomination system or hand-delivered to municipal offices. The IEC has made clear there will be no extensions beyond the deadline.

The final candidate lists are scheduled for publication on 16 September, and candidate certificates will be issued on 25 September.

The commission published the required deposits for contestants: R4 700 for metros, R2 800 for local councils, R1 800 for district councils, and R693 600 for those contesting every municipality. Independent ward candidates must also pay a R1 800 deposit.

Special voting and application process

Special voting is scheduled for 2 and 3 November. Applications for special votes open on 21 September and close on 12 October at 5pm. Applications can be lodged via the IEC website, municipal offices, or by paid SMS to 32249.

The IEC said special votes may be cast at home, in care facilities, or at designated voting stations. It reiterated that all voters may only cast ballots at the stations where they are registered.

Parties, candidates and the commission’s timetable

The IEC noted there are 674 political parties currently registered with the commission, including 330 nationally and 32 provincially. The commission’s timetable sets firm deadlines for inspections, objections, nominations and certification, and it said those timelines will guide the run-up to Election Day.

The IEC’s schedule is expected to draw scrutiny from political parties and stakeholders as the process unfolds.