The Democratic Alliance (DA) is leading in the Western Cape, but early results from the 2026 local government elections indicate that several municipal councils are headed for coalition talks. With 50% of the province's 1,623 voting districts counted, the DA has secured 53.4% of the provincial vote. The African National Congress (ANC) follows with 14%, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) with 11.1%, and the Freedom Front Plus with 5.4%.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have 2.2% of the vote, while ActionSA has 1.1%. Several smaller parties are also registering support across individual municipalities. Of the 25 municipalities in the province, 10 have completed counting. Only one, Swartland, has an outright majority, while the remaining nine have produced hung councils. The DA is leading in most municipalities, but its performance varies considerably across the province.
In the City of Cape Town, the DA is ahead with 60.4% of the vote, with about a quarter of voting districts counted. The results suggest the party is on course to retain control of the country's second-largest metropolitan municipality. The DA is also performing strongly in Drakenstein, with 57.3% and 85% of voting districts counted, and Stellenbosch, where it has 61.3% with 66% counted.
In Mossel Bay, the DA is leading with 67.1% after 89% of voting districts have been counted. It also holds a substantial lead in Bergrivier, with 63.4% and 95% counted, and Swartland, where it has 60.7% of the vote and has secured an outright majority. However, results from several other municipalities suggest that the DA could face coalition negotiations despite emerging as the largest party.
In Saldanha Bay, the DA is leading with 49.1% after all voting districts have been counted, leaving it short of an outright majority. The party has 45.6% in Cape Agulhas, 42% in Matzikama, and 40.8% in Witzenberg, with all three municipalities showing completed counts. The results in Oudtshoorn also point to a competitive council, with the DA leading on 37.8% after all voting districts have been counted.
The PA is making inroads in some smaller municipalities. In Prince Albert, the party is leading with 49% of the vote after all districts have been counted, putting it in a strong position but short of an outright majority. In Kannaland, Icosa is ahead with 27.1%, while ActionSA is leading in Laingsburg with 26.6%. Both municipalities have completed counting but neither party has secured an outright majority.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is expected to announce the final results once counting, verification, and the objections process have been completed. The results underline the increasingly fragmented political landscape in parts of the province, where smaller parties and independent civic organisations could hold the balance of power in councils.
Key points
- The DA leads with 53.4% of the provincial vote.
- Coalition negotiations are likely in several municipalities.
- The IEC will announce final results after counting and verification.
