The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is reviewing 197 objections lodged by political parties against the 2026 Local Government Election results as it works towards announcing the official outcome on Sunday, 8 November 2026, at 18:00.
By 15:00 on 7 November, the IEC had dismissed 54 objections, seen eight withdrawn, and upheld two, according to a media briefing by IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya. The objections process relates only to issues materially affecting election results, as defined under section 65 of the Municipal Electoral Act.
“Following a successful results processing phase, the Commission is now engaged in determining objections that are material to the result of the election,” Moepya said. “Section 65 of the Municipal Electoral Act allows interested parties to lodge objections material to the final results of election with the Commission.” The deadline for submitting these objections was 17:00 on 6 November, although late objections may be accepted if condoned.
The IEC confirmed results processing has been completed in the Western Cape and several other provinces, while final processing remains for parts of Gauteng, North West, and KwaZulu-Natal.
In response to some objections, the IEC has ordered recounts in five wards, identified by eNCA as Ward 57 and Ward 102 in Tshwane, Ward 19 in Mangaung, Ward 4 in Thaba Chweu, and Ward 12 in Breede Valley. This step indicates the Commission’s commitment to ensuring vote counts reflect voter intent accurately before declaring final results.
Moepya emphasised that “the Commission will spare no effort to finalise the objections before it announces the election results.” The IEC must investigate every valid objection and may reject, dismiss, or uphold them as warranted. However, specific details behind the two upheld objections have not yet been publicly disclosed.
This process is a critical mechanism to uphold electoral integrity and reassure South Africans that election outcomes are verified and legitimate, particularly in closely contested areas. Independent media outlets including The Citizen, TimesLIVE, eNCA, SABC, and Eyewitness News have corroborated the IEC’s objection figures and the recounts ordered.
The announcement of the final 2026 Local Government Elections results will provide clarity on seat allocations and council compositions nationwide. Until then, the IEC’s rigorous handling of objections demonstrates the Commission’s role in safeguarding democratic outcomes across South Africa.
Cape Flats News journalists were not present at the IEC headquarters but have independently verified the IEC’s statements through official media releases and current reports from accredited news organisations.
The IEC updates and the formal declaration of confirmed results are expected on Sunday evening, as the Commission seeks to close an election cycle marked by robust engagement and scrutiny.