The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has declared the 2026 Local Government Elections free and fair, with Chairperson Mosotho Moepya confirming the outcome following the conclusion of the electoral process.
The African National Congress (ANC) emerged as the leading party nationally, securing 30.76% of the vote, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 24.64%.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) secured third place with 9.76%, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) received 6.22%. ActionSA rounded off the top five with 5.67% of the vote. Other political parties collectively accounted for 22.97%.
In terms of outright municipal control, the ANC secured majorities in 53 municipalities, while the DA obtained control of 12 municipalities. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) secured five municipalities, the MKP won three, and Rise Tsantsabane Communities obtained control of one municipality.
However, 137 municipalities are classified as hung councils, meaning no single political party secured an outright majority. This is expected to result in coalition negotiations as parties work towards establishing governing arrangements.
Meanwhile, voters in Douglas in the Northern Cape will be required to return to the polls after activists allegedly destroyed ballot papers at a voting station before they could be counted.
The re-vote is expected to address the disruption and ensure that affected voters have an opportunity to participate in the electoral process.
The declaration marks the conclusion of a significant electoral process, with the results set to shape local governance and political leadership across the country.
