South Africa is set to hold its Local Government Elections on November 4, with over 23,000 voting stations across the country. The Electoral Commission has been preparing for the elections since the 2024 general elections. According to S Sy Mamabolo, the commission has undertaken extensive work to create the conditions for transparent, credible, and worthy elections. This includes robust election systems, electoral staff recruitment, and voting station efficiency measures.
The Electoral Commission has implemented various measures to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. These include the rigorous development, testing, auditing, and performance evaluation of election systems and applications. The commission has also reviewed recruitment and selection criteria for Presiding Officers and Deputy Presiding Officers to strengthen the quality and competence of electoral personnel. Additionally, measures have been put in place to improve the flow of voters and minimize long queues at voting stations.
To promote transparency and oversight, the Electoral Commission has accredited election observers and party agents. These observers and agents will be present at voting, counting, and results determination processes to help identify and address irregularities. The commission has also introduced a double capture of election results into the Results System, along with an audit of each captured result slip against the finalised result declared by the Presiding Officer.
The Electoral Commission has also focused on ensuring that eligible South Africans are registered, informed, and able to participate in the elections. There are currently over 29.2 million voters on the voters' roll, including many first-time voters. The commission has been working to encourage young people to register and participate in the electoral process. Initiatives such as Beats for My Peeps, a youth-focused series combining music, culture, and digital creators, have been launched to address voter apathy and encourage participation.
The Electoral Commission has also launched various campaigns to mobilize registered voters and encourage turnout on Election Day. These campaigns have included a television reality documentary, Let Your Voice Be Heard, which explores what makes democracy work and emphasizes the importance of active citizenship. The commission has also produced an animation series covering important electoral topics and launched a podcast to make accessible election information available through mobile and digital platforms.
With the increasing use of digital platforms and media networks for campaigning, the Electoral Commission is also working to counter the risks associated with misinformation and disinformation. The commission has pursued a multistakeholder approach, working with civil society organizations and digital platforms to protect the integrity of election information. A framework of cooperation was signed with Meta, Google, TikTok, and Microsoft on October 20, 2026.
The Electoral Commission's efforts to ensure the integrity and credibility of the Local Government Elections are crucial in maintaining public confidence in the electoral process. With the elections just around the corner, the commission's readiness and preparations will be put to the test. The outcome of the elections will shape the leadership, governance, and future of South Africa's communities.
Key points
- The Electoral Commission has implemented various measures to ensure the integrity and credibility of the Local Government Elections.
- The commission has been working to encourage young people to register and participate in the electoral process.
- The commission is also working to counter the risks associated with misinformation and disinformation.
