The African National Congress (ANC) has maintained its position as the leading party in the Free State during the 2026 local government elections, according to provisional results reported by the SABC on 6 November. The ANC secured 244 seats, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 150 seats and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) with 40 seats across the province.
Independent data from the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) showed the ANC leading the proportional representation (PR) ballot with 37.4% of valid votes in the Free State, with the DA trailing on 25.7%. These figures reflect ongoing counting, with results capture reaching 93% at the time of reporting, according to IEC provincial manager Itumeleng Liba.
We have increased the number of staff, they are hard at work but I am positive that we will be completed with Mangaung soon because I know that there is quite an interest in Mangaung but by this evening the results will be finalised,” Liba said during a media briefing in Cape Town.
Six municipalities in the Free State, including Letsemeng, Kopanong, Mohokare, Masilonyana, Tokologo, and Phumelela, had completed results capture ahead of the broader provincial count. The results indicate a mix of outright majorities and contested councils, with some municipalities likely heading towards hung councils, which may increase the need for coalition negotiations and influence governance stability locally.
Projections from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), reported by The Common Sense on 5 November, estimated the ANC would receive 38.7% of the PR vote and remain the largest party in the Free State, with the DA on 27.5%. The CSIR model was accompanied by a disclaimer noting the predictions are statistical estimates based on available data and not official results.
This outcome in the Free State fits a broader national trend during the 2026 local government elections. The ANC retains the most seats but appears to be losing some dominance compared to previous elections, facing stronger challenges from the DA and EFF. The evolving results suggest a more competitive electoral landscape, with implications for local governance and party dynamics.
At present, the seat totals reported by the SABC remain provisional, as final certification from the IEC is pending. The exact distribution of power across all 19 Free State municipalities has not been fully verified, nor have the underlying vote margins been confirmed. Final official results are expected after the IEC completes the capture and verification process.
Cape Flats News will continue monitoring developments and provide updates as the IEC releases final certified outcomes and further analysis on coalition possibilities across the province.