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IEC reports smooth start to 2026 local elections

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The Electoral Commission of South Africa said 98% of the 23,696 voting stations opened by 7am on Wednesday. By 10am, preliminary figures showed 3,523,691 voters had cast ballots, and police opened a case over stolen ballot papers in eThekwini.

Masego Sheburi, the IEC Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, spoke at a media briefing at the Results Operations Centre in Midrand. He said the commission was encouraged by the enthusiasm of voters. He also said the Voter Management Devices worked well and helped staff process and verify voters.

Gauteng had the most votes by 10am, with 895,384. KwaZulu-Natal followed with 623,380 and the Western Cape with 461,264. The Eastern Cape had 431,123 and Limpopo 366,378.

Mpumalanga had 252,859 votes, North West 204,736 and the Free State 195,537. The Northern Cape had 93,030.

The IEC said unused ballot papers and a stamp were stolen at one voting station in Ward 2 in eThekwini, which has 20 voting stations. Sheburi said the staff at that station were relieved of their duty. The South African Police Service opened a case.

Sheburi reminded voters to choose only one candidate or party per ballot. He said extra marks or more than one choice could spoil the ballot. Voters in local municipalities receive three ballot papers and voters in metropolitan municipalities receive two.

Key facts

Who
Masego Sheburi (IEC Deputy Chief Electoral Officer); Electoral Commission of South Africa (election management body, reported the voting update); South African Police Service (opened a case over the stolen ballot papers); Department of Home Affairs (made offices available to the public to collect IDs)
What
The IEC said voting began smoothly on Election Day, with 3 523 691 voters having cast ballots by 10am according to preliminary figures. It also reported a theft of unused ballot papers and a stamp in one eThekwini voting station, and a case opened with SAPS.
When
4 November 2026
Where
South Africa, eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal
Status
Reported

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Voting in the 2026 Local Government Elections is under way at 23,696 stations, and the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) reported a smooth start on 4 November. Stations opened at 7am and close at 9pm, and by 10am preliminary figures showed 3,523,691 voters had cast ballots.

There were problems: unused ballot papers were stolen from Mnyameni Secondary School near Durban, police opened a case, and the IEC relieved the station staff of duty. Some voters in Tshwane said they were turned away for wearing party shirts, but the IEC denied this and said only mayoral candidates' entourages were barred.

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