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South Africa: November 2026 local elections

This dossier follows preparations for South Africa’s local elections, special voting and established results.

Last updated : 1 key moments
South African local election ballots from May 2011; archive illustration, not 2026 ballots. Discott, CC BY-SA 3.0; colour adjusted by JMK in 2021.
South African local election ballots from May 2011; archive illustration, not 2026 ballots. Discott, CC BY-SA 3.0; colour adjusted by JMK in 2021. — Discott / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ — 18 mai 2011 ; couleurs ajustées par JMK en 2021.

Where things stand

On 1 November, the IEC says more than 2.6 million voters are approved for special voting on 2–3 November, ahead of polling on 4 November.

Reported information

South African local elections: over 2.6 million approved for special voting

South Africa’s Electoral Commission (IEC) said on 1 November 2026 that over 2.6 million voters were approved for special voting on 2 and 3 November. The main local election is scheduled for 4 November.

South African local election ballots from May 2011; archive illustration, not 2026 ballots. Discott, CC BY-SA 3.0; colour adjusted by JMK in 2021.
South African local election ballots from May 2011; archive illustration, not 2026 ballots. Discott, CC BY-SA 3.0; colour adjusted by JMK in 2021. — Discott / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ — 18 mai 2011 ; couleurs ajustées par JMK en 2021.

Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo spoke at the national results centre in Midrand, SABC reports. He urged people approved for home visits to remain at the address supplied in their application.

The total refers to approved special-voting applications, not turnout already recorded. Voting and its results were still ahead when the announcement was made.

Sources 2