IEC counts votes in 2026 local elections, 18 municipalities done
Ongoing: Elections Hot
The Electoral Commission said 23,444 of 66,073 expected result slips had been scanned by 9am on Thursday. That is 35.5% of the total, and 22,983 slips (34.8%) had been captured.
Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo spoke at a media briefing on Thursday. He said counting, tallying and verification of votes went on through the night. Agents for parties and independent candidates were present, along with accredited observers.
As of 9am, 16,791 captured slips (25.4%) had been independently audited. Results from 18 local municipalities (7%) were final. The Commission said seven municipalities had finished at the same point in the 2021 election.
The Commission called the election process successful. It said all voters in line at the cut-off time got to vote. It said the faster capturing came despite longer ballot papers, more contestants and higher voter turnout.
The Commission urged candidates and political role players not to spread unverified information or disinformation about results. It said this could cause tension, incite violence and lead to damage and injuries.
Key facts
- Who
- Sy Mamabolo (Chief Electoral Officer of the Electoral Commission); Electoral Commission (Election management body that ran the 2026 Local Government Elections)
- What
- Following voting on 4 November 2026, counting, tallying and verification of votes continued overnight. As of 9am on Thursday, 23 444 (35.5%) of 66 073 expected result slips had been scanned and 22 983 (34.8%) captured, and results from 18 municipalities (7%) had been concluded.
- When
- 5 November 2026
- Where
- South Africa
- Status
- Reported