South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) is gearing up for the 2026 local government elections. Meanwhile, the South African Communist Party (SACP) has decided to participate independently, a move with potential political implications. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula disclosed these developments in Johannesburg, emphasizing the party’s focus on selecting top candidates for mayoral and council positions.
Mbalula highlighted the SACP’s resolution to contest the elections without coalition partners. He stressed the importance of a rigorous vetting and interview process led by the party’s senior leadership to identify the most suitable candidates. Additionally, he announced plans to contact members holding dual ANC-SACP membership to clarify their election intentions within 10 days.
The ANC is set to launch its local government election campaign officially in July 2026, initiating its outreach activities. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) had previously announced that the local government elections in South Africa will take place between November 2, 2026, and January 2027. IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo revealed an increase in registered political parties, with 34 new parties since the 2024 general election, totaling 472 registered parties.
Mamabolo encouraged public engagement on electronic voting’s feasibility and future, noting that physical ballots will be used in the upcoming municipal elections due to the lack of a national e-voting policy and legal framework. The IEC’s stance reflects the current absence of clear guidelines for implementing electronic voting in South Africa.
