MIDRAND, Sunday 8 November 2026 — The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has formally announced the results of the 2026 local government elections, declaring the polls free and fair as the African National Congress (ANC) recorded its lowest level of support in a municipal election since 1994.
The ANC secured 30.76% of overall national support, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) on 24.64% and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party on 9.76%, according to results announced on Sunday.
The declaration follows voting on 4 November and several days of counting, verification and consideration of electoral objections.
ANC records significant decline
The ANC’s 30.76% represents a substantial fall from the 45.59% it received in the 2021 municipal elections.
The DA increased its overall support to 24.64%, while the MK Party, contesting its first local government elections, emerged as the third-largest party nationally.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) received 6.22%, ActionSA 5.67%, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) 4.69% and the Freedom Front Plus 2.99%.
The results reflect overall support across municipal ballots, rather than a single national election for control of government.
Seven metropolitan councils face coalition negotiations
The DA emerged as the largest party in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Nelson Mandela Bay and Cape Town.
The MK Party led in eThekwini, while the ANC finished ahead in Buffalo City and Mangaung.
However, Cape Town was the only metropolitan municipality where a party secured an outright majority, with the DA retaining control.
The other seven metropolitan councils will require political parties to negotiate governing arrangements or seek sufficient support to elect council leadership.
The results create particularly significant coalition negotiations in Gauteng, where the DA, ANC, ActionSA and other parties will compete to influence the next municipal administrations.
IEC declares elections free and fair
IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya declared the elections free and fair during the results announcement at the National Results Operations Centre in Midrand.
The commission said it was satisfied with the conduct of the election and the processes used to count and verify votes.
The declaration came despite objections from political parties, some of which have indicated that they may approach the Electoral Court.
The IEC maintained that the electoral process had been conducted in accordance with the required procedures.
Ramaphosa calls for stable municipal governments
President Cyril Ramaphosa, addressing the ceremony, urged political parties to place the interests of residents ahead of political positions during coalition negotiations.
He warned against allowing disagreements between parties to undermine municipal stability and essential services.
Ramaphosa said newly elected representatives had a responsibility to establish functioning councils, maintain accountable administrations and deliver services to communities.
Focus shifts to formation of councils
Political parties now face negotiations to determine who will govern municipalities without outright majorities.
Newly elected municipal councils must be constituted within the prescribed period, with mayors, speakers and other office-bearers to be elected.
The results mark the beginning of a new phase in South African local government, with coalition arrangements expected to determine political control and service delivery across much of the country.
