South Africa Municipal Elections
The African National Congress dropped to 30.76% of the national vote in the 2026 local government elections, losing its majority in key metropolitan areas, BusinessTech reported.
With 99% of national votes counted by Saturday evening, Independent Electoral Commission data showed the governing party secured 9,101,793 votes and 3,194 seats, leading in 125 of 213 municipalities, according to the Daily Maverick.
Political parties secure varying national and local vote shares
The final tallies are much lower than the 2021 local government elections, when the African National Congress captured 45.59% of the vote, BusinessTech reported. The Democratic Alliance finished second nationally with 24.64%, followed by the uMkhonto weSizwe party at 9.77% and the Economic Freedom Fighters at 6.22%.
In the City of Johannesburg, the Democratic Alliance won 34.79% of the vote, while the African National Congress took 20.25%, according to BusinessTech data. ActionSA secured 16.27%, the Economic Freedom Fighters recorded 6.52%, and the uMkhonto weSizwe party achieved 5.57% in the 270-seat council.
The ANC acknowledges and accepts the outcome of the 2026 Local Government Elections. We recognise that the electorate has exercised its democratic right to determine the future of local government. The results provide an opportunity for (1) honest reflection (2) renewal (3)… pic.twitter.com/BRiKCe7CNn
In Tshwane, the Democratic Alliance led with 34.37%, ActionSA followed with 22.07%, and the African National Congress dropped to 20.22%, BusinessTech reported. In eThekwini, the uMkhonto weSizwe party emerged as the leading force with 38.29%, while the African National Congress slumped to 16.43%, down from 42.1% in 2021.
Coalition Scramble
African National Congress Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said the party will approach the election outcome with introspection, BusinessTech reported. “We will confront the reasons why people who once regarded the ANC as their natural political home have become disillusioned with our movement,” Mbalula said.
The African National Congress (ANC) briefed members of the media at the Elections Results Operation Centre, sharing updates and insights as the country awaits the finalisation of the election results. pic.twitter.com/5Uo8J9CC4h
Mbalula stated that the party will not rush into coalitions or compromise service delivery continuity, adding that the organization is willing to enter opposition rather than sign unfavorable deals, according to the Daily Maverick. Democratic Alliance Federal Council Chairperson Ashor Sarupen said his party is ready to establish stable, effective governments that put residents first.
“Our objective is to establish stable, effective governments that put residents first, restore accountability, and deliver the services communities deserve,” Sarupen said, according to BusinessTech. Democratic Alliance leader Geordin Hill-Lewis confirmed the party has drafted transparent coalition frameworks and is considering a government of local unity model for hung councils, the Daily Maverick reported.
Questions about the 2026 Local Government Election results
When did the Independent Electoral Commission complete vote counting?
The Independent Electoral Commission completed the vote counting for the 2026 Local Government Election following the close of polling, according to BusinessTech.
How many municipal seats did the African National Congress win nationally?
The African National Congress secured 3,194 seats nationwide, according to Independent Electoral Commission data cited by the Daily Maverick.
#LGE2026 | “Four days ago, millions of South Africans went to the polls to exercise one of the most fundamental rights of our democracy. Among them were those who have stood in voting queues in every election since the dawn of our democracy in 1994.” Cyril Ramaphosa… pic.twitter.com/Iilxlh09AJ
What was the uMkhonto weSizwe party result in eThekwini?
The uMkhonto weSizwe party captured 38.29% of the vote in eThekwini, translating to 86 council seats, BusinessTech reported.
More on Democratic Alliance
#LGE2026 | The right to vote is what gives our democracy its legitimacy. We celebrate the enduring strength of our democracy and the sovereign right of the people of South Africa to choose their representatives. 🔗 Speech: https://t.co/c4RzpItioB #ResultsAnnouncement… pic.twitter.com/prQ7Ry504i
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