Which Party has more seats and power? 2026 Election Results Revealed

The 2026 local government elections concluded last week, delivering a complex and fragmented political landscape across South Africa. Preliminary results, announced by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), revealed a significant victory for the African National Congress (ANC), securing the largest share of the vote with 30.76% of the national vote.

This translated to 3,246 municipal seats, a substantial lead over the main opposition parties. The Democratic Alliance (DA) secured the second-highest vote share at 24.64%, garnering 1,699 seats, while the newly formed MK Party achieved 9.76% with 785 seats, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) received 6.22% with 582 seats.

ActionSA rounded out the top five with 5.67% and 363 seats. The overall outcome of the election indicates a continued dominance of the ANC, but also highlights a deeply divided electorate.

A key observation from the IEC’s report is that only 74 of the 213 municipalities achieved outright majorities. This leaves a significant portion – 139 municipalities – facing the inevitable process of coalition negotiations.

This situation, according to analysts, reflects a growing trend in South African politics, where no single party can secure a decisive victory, necessitating complex power-sharing arrangements. The distribution of seats suggests a continued decline in support for the DA, a party that has long been a cornerstone of South Africa’s political landscape.

The rise of the MK Party, led by former president Jacob Zuma, presents a notable challenge to the ANC’s dominance, particularly in key areas. While the EFF maintains its strong support base, its percentage of the vote remains below the levels seen in previous elections.

ActionSA’s performance, achieving nearly six percent of the vote, demonstrates a growing appetite for alternative political voices within the country. The implications of this election are considerable.

The need for coalition governments will likely lead to protracted negotiations and potentially unstable administrations. It is anticipated that the coming weeks will be dominated by discussions between parties seeking to form alliances, and the success of these talks will ultimately determine the direction of local government policy and service delivery across the country.

The IEC’s figures clearly demonstrate the need for a more nuanced understanding of South Africa’s political dynamics, and the challenges ahead for the country’s municipalities are significant.

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