ANC opens coalition talks after record number of hung municipalities

The African National Congress (ANC) said it has opened talks with political parties, civic movements and independent candidates as it seeks to establish stable local governments following the 2026 Local Government Elections.

In a statement the party said, ANC’s Special Extended National Executive Committee (NEC) met to discuss the party’s approach to coalition negotiations after the elections produced an unprecedented number of hung municipalities, where no political party secured an outright majority.

ANC said the outcome placed a responsibility on political parties to determine coalition arrangements capable of delivering stable and effective municipal government.

The party said its NEC had instructed the party to engage all political parties, including smaller parties, civic movements and independent candidates, in municipalities where no party secured a majority.

“Engagements with various political parties are already under way,” the ANC said in a statement on Friday.

The party also confirmed that it had received requests from political parties that had expressed an interest in working with the ANC.

The ANC said its coalition engagements would be guided by its existing coalition framework and would be conducted with an open mind.

It said the objective was to ensure that coalition arrangements served the interests of communities rather than being driven solely by political considerations.

ANC sets conditions for coalition agreements

The governing party said any coalition agreement it enters into must be based on a common minimum programme with measurable service delivery targets.

The ANC said it would pursue municipal administrations that are stable, transparent and accountable, while committing to decisive action against corruption.

The party also highlighted the constitutional responsibilities of local government, including the provision of water, electricity, sanitation, roads and safe public spaces.

Municipalities are also expected to maintain a clean and healthy environment and promote local economic development.

The ANC acknowledged that while progress had been made in expanding access to basic services and the social wage since the dawn of democracy, significant challenges remain.

These include poverty, inequality, unemployment and poor spatial planning.

The party said the effectiveness of municipal councils would have a significant bearing on the country's development and reiterated its commitment to establishing functional local governments.

The latest coalition talks could shape the leadership and policy direction of municipalities across the country as parties negotiate power-sharing arrangements following the November elections.