IEC Announces Final Results As ANC, DA And MK Party Secure Major Gains

South Africa’s political landscape has undergone another major shift following the 2026 Local Government Elections, with the African National Congress (ANC) finishing ahead of its rivals nationally but losing control of dozens of municipalities compared with the previous local government polls.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) announced the final results on Sunday, with chairperson Mosotho Moepya confirming that the ANC secured 30.76% of the national vote.

Although the governing party maintained its position as the largest political organisation in the country, its support was followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA), which obtained 24.67%.

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party finished third with 9.76%, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) secured 6.22%. ActionSA completed the top five with 5.67% of the vote.

However, the national figures do not fully reflect the changes taking place at municipal level, where several parties have secured control or strengthened their influence.

The ANC managed to obtain outright majorities in 53 municipalities, a significant reduction from the 122 municipalities it controlled after the 2021 Local Government Elections.

The DA, meanwhile, secured outright control in 12 municipalities, including Cape Town, which remains one of its strongest political bases.

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) also recorded outright victories in five municipalities. This represents a decline from the nine municipalities it controlled following the previous local government elections.

One of the notable developments was the performance of the MK Party. Despite finishing third nationally, the party secured three municipal councils and emerged as the leading political organisation in 19 municipalities.

Another unexpected result came from the Northern Cape, where the Rise Tsantsabane Communities collective secured control of the Tsantsabane Local Municipality.

The results highlight the difference between winning the largest share of the national vote and controlling individual municipalities.

With the ANC securing fewer outright municipal majorities, coalition arrangements are expected to become increasingly important in councils where no party has enough seats to govern independently.

The final outcome therefore presents a political landscape in which the ANC remains the country’s largest party, but faces a more competitive municipal environment involving established parties and emerging political movements.

Source: https://x.com/enca/status/2119499475605766211?s=46

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