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IEC approves more than 2.5 million special votes

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Ongoing: Elections Hot

Empty school hall with plain wooden voting booths arranged in rows under morning light.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said it is ready for the local government elections, with 29,230,808 registered voters. Special votes take place on Monday and Tuesday, ahead of the main vote.

The IEC announced its state of readiness at a media briefing in Midrand on Sunday night. Its chief executive, Sy Mamabolo, spoke about the preparations. One report gave 2.6-million as the number of people expected to vote on Monday and Tuesday.

Separately, the Electoral Court ruled that the EFF nominated Sivuyile Jacquin Tshikila as a ward 03 councillor candidate in the Eastern Cape without his knowledge or consent. The case concerned the Raymond Mhlaba local municipality.

President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke at the ANC's final rally at Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane. He said ANC councillors and mayors who fail to serve communities or misuse public funds will be removed. He said: "We want to place emphasis on making sure we get accountable and capable and ethical people who are going to be elected"

Key facts

Who
Sy Mamabolo (CEO of the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC)); Sivuyile Jacquin Tshikila (man nominated as EFF ward councillor candidate in ward 03 without his…); Cyril Ramaphosa (President of South Africa and ANC president); Electoral Court (court that ruled on the EFF nomination)
What
The IEC announced its state of readiness for the local government elections at a media briefing in Midrand on Sunday night, with over 2.5 million voters approved for special votes. Separately, the Electoral Court ruled that the EFF nominated a ward councillor candidate in the Eastern Cape without his consent, and President Cyril Ramaphosa warned ANC councillors and mayors who underperform will…
When
2 November 2026
Where
Midrand, Raymond Mhlaba local municipality, Mdantsane
Status
Reported

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