IEC confirms 4 November 2026 as Local Government Elections date

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has welcomed the proclamation of 4 November 2026 as the date for the Local Government Elections.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa formally proclaimed the election date, paving the way for the start of the 89-day election timetable.

IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya said the proclamation provides certainty to political parties, candidates, voters, civil society and other stakeholders involved in the electoral process.

The Commission is publishing the election timetable in the Government Gazette, in line with the Local Government: Municipal Electoral Act.

The timetable covers key stages including the finalisation of the voters’ roll, candidate nominations, special votes, voting arrangements and the declaration of results.

The proclamation also triggered the closure of the voters’ roll at midnight on Friday. No new registrations or changes to voter details will be accepted after the deadline for the 2026 elections.

The provisional voters’ roll will be available for inspection from 11 August, with objections closing on 18 August. The final voters’ roll is expected to be certified on 26 August.

Meanwhile, candidate nominations opened on Friday and will close at 5pm on 28 August.

Moepya said the IEC has recorded about two million voter registration transactions, including more than 14,000 registrations through its WhatsApp channel since its launch.

The Commission will publish the list of voting stations, including mobile voting stations and their routes, on 14 August.

There are currently 674 registered political parties, with the IEC expecting a highly contested local government election.

Applications for special votes will open on 21 September for eligible voters who cannot cast their ballots on Election Day.