The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has initiated recounts in five wards as part of its ongoing process to address objections filed by political parties and candidates following the 2026 local government elections. IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya reported that the commission had received 197 objections by the 3pm deadline on Saturday. Of these, 54 objections were dismissed, while some were withdrawn.
According to Moepya, two objections were upheld, meaning they had a material impact on the election outcome. In one instance, the commission ordered an audit, while recounts were mandated in five specific wards. The affected wards include Ward 257 in the City of Tshwane at the Village Montessori School voting district, Ward 102 in the City of Tshwane at PAC Projects, Ward 119 in Emalahleni at Elly Park Fire Station, Ward 4 in Thabazimbi Local Municipality at Shalom Church Centre, and Ward 12 in Breede Valley Local Municipality at Christian Life Ministries.
Recounts will be conducted in the presence of political party agents and carried out by IEC staff. Moepya explained that objections could lead to the commission ordering recounts to clarify the outcome. He emphasized that all results remain provisional until the commission finalizes its consideration of objections. This means the provisional results may change as a consequence of the commission's determinations.
The IEC chairperson also noted that seats allocated in the provisional results could change if the commission upholds an objection. The commission has completed results processing in the Free State, Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Limpopo. However, results processing is still underway in Gauteng, North West, and KwaZulu-Natal.
Moepya indicated that the IEC expects to conclude the remaining processes by Saturday evening. The commission plans to announce the final results of the 2026 local government elections on Sunday at 6pm. After 99% of the votes were counted, the ANC had the most votes nationally at 30.8%, with the DA in second place at 24%.
The IEC's process involves careful consideration of objections to ensure the integrity of the election results. Moepya stressed that the commission takes all objections seriously and investigates them thoroughly. The recounts and audits are part of the commission's efforts to ensure that the final results accurately reflect the will of the voters.
The final results of the 2026 local government elections will provide a comprehensive picture of the electoral landscape in South Africa. The IEC's commitment to transparency and accuracy in the electoral process is crucial for maintaining public trust and confidence in the democratic system.
Key points
- The IEC received 197 objections, of which 54 were dismissed and some withdrawn, with two upheld.
- Recounts are being conducted in five wards across different municipalities.
- Final results of the 2026 local government elections will be announced on Sunday at 6pm.
