Developing story: timelines may change as the IEC completes counting.
Counting in the 2026 local government elections is under way, and the Electoral Commission (IEC) says it hopes to announce final results by the weekend. Here is what that step means for the councils that follow.
The turnout so far
IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said around 14.5 million voters cast ballots, including about 13 million on election day and about 1.5 million special votes.
Why the weekend target matters
Mamabolo said that declaring results by the weekend would provide certainty, allow municipalities to arrange their first council meetings and give parties time to negotiate coalitions. One report says the IEC has up to seven days to declare final results. We have not yet confirmed that period against the IEC's own timetable.
From results to a working council
Once results are declared, seats are allocated in each council. Where no party holds a majority, parties can negotiate agreements to elect a mayor and other office-bearers. Our earlier explainer on hung councils sets out what happens when no party reaches the threshold.
What we do not yet know
- The exact date the IEC will declare final results, and the dates of first council meetings. These were not available at the time of writing.
- How many councils will be hung. Counting is incomplete, and early figures change as districts report.
- Whether objections lodged by parties could delay any declarations.
We will update this explainer when the IEC confirms the timetable.
