South Africa's ANC Wins 30.76% in Local Elections as Coalition Talks Loom
South Africa's Electoral Commission has certified the November 4 municipal polls, with the ANC receiving 30.76% nationally and many councils lacking a single-party majority.
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA — South Africa's governing African National Congress received 30.76 per cent of the national vote in the November 4 local government elections, according to final results announced by the Electoral Commission on Sunday, November 8.
The commission declared the election free and fair and reported that approximately 14.9 million people voted from 29.2 million registered voters. It said turnout was 52 per cent, up from 45.9 per cent in the previous municipal contest.
Party results and seats
The Democratic Alliance took 24.64 per cent, followed by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party with 9.76 per cent, the Economic Freedom Fighters with 6.22 per cent and ActionSA with 5.67 per cent.
The ANC won 3,246 council seats, while the Democratic Alliance secured 1,695. The MK Party won 785 and the EFF 588. Results also reflect support for numerous smaller parties and independent candidates.
An uncertain municipal landscape
The commission reported that 72 of the 213 municipalities had one party holding a clear majority. Many other councils are expected to require coalition or cooperation agreements, creating complex negotiations over local government administration and service delivery.
The ANC achieved outright control in 53 municipalities and remained the leading party in many others. Its national vote share was substantially below the level associated with earlier periods of ANC electoral dominance.
Why it matters
Municipal governments oversee important services, including planning, water, sanitation and local infrastructure. Coalition stability will shape how councils deliver services in a challenging economic environment.
These are local-government results, not a national parliamentary election or a direct presidential vote. The figures are those announced by the Electoral Commission on November 8.
Original official results: South African Government News Agency, reporting Electoral Commission declaration, November 8, 2026. https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/iec-declares-lge-2026-free-and-fair
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