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NewsbriefSouth Africa, briefly.
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South Africans vote in local elections as coalitions loom

Published

Ongoing: Elections Hot

Voting stations opened at 7am on Wednesday in South Africa's seventh local government elections. Analysts expect more hung councils and coalition talks, with turnout a concern after 45.86% voted in 2021.

More than 29 million voters are on the voters' roll. The Electoral Commission said it is preparing for 100% turnout. Its chief executive, Sy Mamabolo, said special voting went smoothly the day before. He said the only significant problem was late delivery of ballot papers in Cape Town.

Several party leaders, including DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis and Good Party leader Patricia De Lille, planned to vote in Cape Town in the morning. Hill-Lewis is also the DA candidate for Cape Town mayor.

Analysts expect many councils to be hung. The Mapungubwe Coalition Barometer expects about half of the 257 municipalities to be hung. Analyst Tessa Dooms said smaller parties and independents may hold the balance of power. She also said trust in politicians is low.

Pre-election polls suggest no party will win a majority in any of the three Gauteng metros. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has said the party must review its place with the DA in the national unity government. An analysis said DA leaders may drive a harder bargain in coming talks.

Key facts

Who
Carol Paton (author of the analysis); Geordin Hill-Lewis (DA leader); Ashor Sarupen (DA federal chairperson); John Steenhuisen (former DA leader who exited in April)
What
Analysis by Carol Paton argues that anti-DA sentiment in the ANC is growing ahead of local government elections, citing changes in DA leadership, the Tolashe dismissal demand, the Constitutional Court candidate dispute, and ANC internal divisions over coalition negotiations.
When
2 November 2026
Where
South Africa, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Status
Reported

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