South Africans are gearing up for the 2026 local government elections, with preparations already underway to ensure a smooth and credible voting process.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has ramped up voter registration drives, strengthened party oversight, and set in motion logistical plans to ensure that millions of citizens can exercise their democratic right without hiccups.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of next year’s polls.
Voter registration is growing
From January to September 2025, over 300,000 South Africans registered as first-time voters, with September seeing the highest monthly registrations at 71,324, according to Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) deputy chief electoral officer, Masego Sheburi.
An additional 60,000 voters updated their registration details due to moving or changing addresses.
Sheburi noted that the Voter Management Device (VMD) was used in 76% of new registrations, with 12% completed online and 10% at local IEC offices. “Voters are once again reminded to register where they live and to vote where they are registered,” he said.
The VMD helps ensure voters are registered at their correct addresses. Accurate addresses allow political parties to engage constituents effectively and ensure that ballots are cast in the areas where voters ordinarily reside.
Political party registration and electoral reforms
Political party registration continues to expand, with 62 new parties registered since the 2024 national and provincial elections. Of these, 295 are eligible to contest nationally, bringing the total number of registered parties to 508.
Sheburi explained that the IEC has proposed amendments to the Electoral Act to clarify that objections to the voters’ roll will only be valid against the provisionally compiled roll and to allow the Commission to remove disputed addresses. The amendments also provide for the automatic deregistration of inactive political parties.
E-Voting will not happen in 2026
While the IEC has consulted extensively on electronic voting, Sheburi confirmed that e-voting would be implemented in the 2026 elections.
“E-voting is not on the cards for the next General Elections of Municipal Councils.”
He noted that the IEC had received more than 200 public submissions and conducted over 20 provincial stakeholder engagements on the feasibility of electronic voting.
He said consultation recommendations highlighted the need for a cautious, phased approach, a hybrid system retaining paper ballots alongside digital innovations, and strong nationwide voter education programmes to ensure accessibility for all citizens, including those in rural areas and persons with disabilities.
Election dates and scheduling
Elections are expected to take place between 2 November 2026 and 31 January 2027, but the final date has not yet been announced.
Sheburi said the IEC is ready to administer the elections on the first Wednesday in November 2026 if chosen by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
Planning has also taken into account matric and tertiary exams, as well as weather patterns across the country, to ensure smooth conduct.
Election security and coordination
The IEC is working closely with security agencies to prevent political violence. Sheburi said the Commission has not received alerts from state security structures indicating potential hotspots.
Coordination with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and an inter-ministerial committee on elections has been established to strengthen preparedness and mitigate risks.
IEC budget and logistics are secured
On logistical readiness, Sheburi confirmed that the IEC has allocated around R2.1 billion for the next financial year to run the elections. Discussions with the National Treasury are ongoing to see if additional funds can be sourced from savings.
“At this stage, we do not feel major constraints in us delivering a credible election for the country, with the budget available, we will do so,” said the IEC’s Deputy Chief Electoral Officer of Outreach, Mosery Mawethu.
Ward delimitations from the Municipal Demarcation Board will be provided in early December 2025, enabling the IEC to finalise voting districts. By-elections for wards will cease from 30 April 2026, although proportional representation councillor replacements will continue until the day before the elections.
Sheburi emphasised the importance of voter participation, urging South Africans to register and ensure their details are correct.
“Now is the time to register and to ensure that you vote to continue to shape affairs in your community and also have a say in the selection of the men and women who will administer public affairs on our behalf,” he said.
Politics
