“The IEC confirmed that 142,072 candidates will contest 10,526 municipal seats in the November 2026 elections, marking a sharp rise compared to 2021. However, the Electoral Court dismissed the ANC’s bid to reinstate 181 excluded candidates, sparking legal appeals and raising questions about the party’s electoral strength.”
South Africa’s 2026 local government elections are shaping up to be one of the most contested in recent history. With the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) finalising candidate lists today, the political landscape has been jolted by a legal setback for the African National Congress (ANC), whose attempt to reinstate excluded candidates was dismissed by the Electoral Court. This development not only underscores the technical and legal complexities of the electoral process but also highlights the ANC’s precarious position as it faces declining support and mounting challenges ahead of the November polls.
Candidate Numbers and Trends
The IEC announced that 142,072 candidates have been nominated across the country, contesting 10,526 council seats. This represents a 43% increase compared to the 2021 local elections, when approximately 99,000 candidates were nominated. Of these:
- 40,241 candidates were nominated for proportional representation seats.
- 100,856 candidates were nominated for ward seats.
- 975 independent candidates will contest ward seats.
This surge reflects heightened political mobilisation, with 546 parties fielding candidates and more than 29 million registered voters expected to cast ballots.
ANC’s Legal Setback
The ANC’s troubles stem from a technical glitch in the IEC’s candidate submission system, which allegedly prevented the finalisation of 181 candidate entries before the 28 August deadline. The IEC maintained that due process was not followed, noting that the ANC left submissions until the final hours and “ran out of time.”
The Electoral Court sided with the IEC, ruling that the excluded candidates were ineligible. The ANC immediately vowed to appeal, arguing that the matter concerns the legal status of candidate information captured before the deadline. The excluded candidates represent about 3% of the ANC’s total nominations, spread across six municipalities, including the Mangaung metro, Umshwathi, Walter Sisulu, Sundays River Valley, Ngquza Hill, and Port St Johns.
Political Implications
The exclusion could materially affect the ANC’s performance, particularly in municipalities where its support has already weakened. Recent polling by Ipsos places the ANC’s national support at 31%, a sharp decline from its historic dominance.
Opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), are expected to capitalise on the ANC’s missteps. Independent candidates, whose numbers have risen significantly, may also benefit from voter frustration with established parties.
IEC’s Role and Election Timetable
IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo emphasised that the finalisation of candidate lists is a critical milestone in the election timetable. With elections set for 4 November 2026, political parties and independents will now intensify campaigning, while voters gain clarity on who is contesting seats in their municipalities.
The IEC’s credibility is under scrutiny, given the ANC’s allegations of technical failures. However, the Commission insists that its systems functioned correctly and that all parties were subject to the same rules.
Broader Context
The dispute reflects broader tensions in South Africa’s democracy. The ANC, once the dominant force, is grappling with internal divisions, declining voter trust, and administrative challenges. Meanwhile, the rise in independent candidates signals growing disillusionment with traditional party politics.
Observers note that the November elections will serve as a litmus test for the ANC’s resilience and the strength of South Africa’s democratic institutions. The legal battles, campaign strategies, and voter turnout will collectively determine whether the ANC retains control of key municipalities or cedes ground to rivals.
Conclusion
As the IEC finalises candidate lists, South Africa enters the decisive phase of its 2026 local government elections. The ANC’s legal defeat underscores the importance of procedural compliance and the risks of administrative lapses. With over 142,000 candidates contesting seats, the elections promise to be fiercely competitive, potentially reshaping the country’s political landscape.
