IEC prepares for August 2026 announcement of local government elections date

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is ramping up its preparations for the upcoming local government elections, with an anticipated announcement from Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa expected in August next year.

This was revealed during a briefing to Parliament on the commission's readiness to facilitate the elections, slated for a period between November 2026 and January 2027.

Masego Sheburi, the deputy chief electoral officer of the IEC, clarified that the power to declare the elections lies solely with the CoGTA minister, while the commission's responsibility is to ensure a smooth process once the date is set.

“The commission does not have the authority to determine the date of elections and call for elections. That resides with the CoGTA minister,” Sheburi stated during the joint meeting of the Portfolio Committees on Home Affairs and CoGTA.

As preparation continues in the lead-up to the election date announcement, Sheburi assured that the IEC is committed to being fully operational when the time arrives.

“It must still prepare for elections so that when it is announced, it is ready to deliver the elections,” he emphasised, noting that the current terms of councillors conclude on November 1, 2026.

To meet constitutional requirements, the elections must be conducted within 90 days following the expiration of the current term, meaning voters can expect to head to the polls sometime between November 2, 2026, and January 30, 2027.

Discussions between the IEC and Minister Hlabisa are already under way, with Sheburi noting that these consultations are ongoing. “Once concluded, the minister at an appropriate time will announce when the elections will be held,” he said.

According to the latest figures presented, there are currently 27.7 million registered voters from a total of 38 million eligible citizens.

The IEC has recognised this disparity and is focusing on bridging the gap, particularly ahead of the elections.

While there are currently 10,468 seats available across all councils, this figure is subject to adjustment pending the finalisation of the demarcation of wards by the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB).

Sheburi indicated that the number of wards, currently at 4,468, is not expected to undergo significant changes.

Reflecting on past elections, he mentioned that in the 2021 local government elections, around 100,000 candidates were nominated, with 95,000 meeting the necessary requirements to contest various seats.

Sheburi cautioned against the spread of misinformation, urging all stakeholders to work collectively to ensure the integrity of the electoral outcomes.

“We have to guard against disinformation being used to cast doubts on the electoral outcomes,” he asserted.

Moreover, the IEC has outlined its logistical preparations, which include the establishment of 23,292 voting stations across the country.

Of these, 22,331 are fixed stations, alongside 931 temporary ones and 30 mobile voting stations. To enhance administrative competence, the IEC has reviewed its recruitment criteria for presiding officers, requiring candidates to possess at least eight years of relevant supervisory experience.

As the election process approaches, Sheburi emphasised the importance of legislative amendments concerning the voters roll.

He stated that objections are only to be raised before the roll's certification for use in the elections, with a formal submission already made to Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber for further action in Parliament.

In the run-up to the elections, the IEC has also planned two voter registration weekends during the period from June to August 2026, an initiative aimed at reinforcing voter turnout.

Following the announcement of the election date by the CoGTA minister, the voters roll will be officially closed, enabling political parties to submit nominations for candidates contesting the elections.

Sheburi advised parties to utilise the candidate nomination portal to manage their submissions effectively.

mayibonwge.maqhina@inl.co.za