IEC gears up for South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has officially begun preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections in South Africa. Work has already started on finalising ward boundaries, consulting government, and setting up the systems needed to run the vote.

When will South Africans vote?

Municipal councils serve a five-year term. Since the last local elections were held on 1 November 2021, the current term ends on 2 November 2026. By law, the IEC 2026 Local Government Elections must take place between November 2026 and January 2027.

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs will announce the official date after consultations with the IEC.

Ward boundary changes ahead

A key part of election readiness is the ward delimitation process. The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) is finalising new ward boundaries that will shape how communities are represented.

• Final ward maps will be handed to the IEC in October 2025.

• 18 municipalities are still under review and will follow later.

• The IEC will then update voting districts to match new ward boundaries.

This step is crucial because it affects where South Africans register and vote.

What voters need to know

Once boundaries are confirmed, the IEC will launch voter registration drives. All citizens will need to:

• Check if they are registered in the correct ward.

• Update their details if they have moved.

• Confirm their voting station before the elections.

Local elections are often marked by lower turnout, even though they directly impact services like water, electricity, housing, and infrastructure. The IEC says it will intensify voter education campaigns in 2025.

Lessons from the 2024 elections

The 2024 National and Provincial Elections brought in South Africa’s highest voter roll since 1999, with 27.78 million registered voters. The elections were declared free and fair by international observers, despite legal challenges.

The IEC faced 88 court cases, winning all but one, which is still under appeal. These experiences are shaping the commission’s approach to 2026.

Why the 2026 elections matter

The IEC 2026 Local Government Elections will decide who governs municipalities, which are responsible for basic services and daily governance. With service delivery protests increasing nationwide, the elections will be a direct test of public trust in local leaders.

South Africans are encouraged to keep track of registration dates and boundary changes to ensure their vote counts.

{Source: TheSouthAfrican}

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