IEC
The Independent Electoral Commission will brief the media on Tuesday to update the nation on its readiness for the 2026 local government elections. South Africa currently has about 1 743 registered political parties, with 381 registered at national level.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) will on Tuesday hold a media briefing as the country gears up for the 2026 local government elections. The session, scheduled from 11h00 to 12h00 at Election House, Centurion, it will provide a detailed update on the Commission’s preparations for what will be South Africa’s seventh democratic local polls.
In its agenda the IEC will outline its current state of readiness and report progress across key operational areas. These include voter registration, the maintenance and accuracy of the voters’ roll, logistics for polling stations, training of election officials, security arrangements, and public communication campaigns. The briefing will also present the measures being implemented to ensure the elections are inclusive, credible, free and fair.
The upcoming local government elections are a pivotal moment. With thousands of municipal council seats at stake across the country, the IEC emphasised the scale of the exercise and the importance of finalising all logistical and administrative steps well ahead of election day.
As part of its update the Commission will share insights into its risk-management frameworks for handling issues such as voting infrastructure failure, accessibility concerns for persons with disabilities, and potential disruptions to the electoral process.
On the subject of political participation the IEC notes that South Africa currently has approximately 1 743 registered political parties, of which 381 are registered at national level. This wide array of parties underscores the range of political voices preparing to engage in the electoral process at local level.
The IEC will also address its engagement with political parties, emphasising coordination through Party Liaison Committees (PLCs) at national, provincial and municipal levels. These committees, mandated by legislation, facilitate consultation between the Commission and parties on matters such as the election timetable, candidate nomination procedures, voter education and adherence to the electoral code of conduct.
In addition the briefing will touch on the operational implications of legislative reforms. Among these reforms are amendments to the way political parties register and maintain compliance, and changes affecting candidate eligibility and the conduct of elections in terms of timelines and administrative processes.
The IEC welcomes members of the media to attend the briefing and invites questions on its preparations. Officials will be available to respond on technical and procedural matters, including how the Commission is addressing challenges such as rising voter apathy, the integrity of the ballot, and ensuring adequate representation of diverse communities.
With a large number of parties registered and the logistical scale of local government elections substantial, the IEC says that finalising preparation in the coming months is critical. As South Africa moves towards the 2026 local government elections, the IEC’s update is intended both to inform stakeholders and to reinforce confidence in the administration of the polls.
