National Coloured Congress (NCC) deputy president Larry Varrie confidently predicted on 4 November 2026 that the Democratic Alliance (DA) will fall well below 50% in the Western Cape during the local government elections scheduled for that day. Varrie cast his vote at Edgemead Primary School and told Cape Flats journalists,
“We, as the National Coloured Congress, have done what we’ve needed to do. Our people have put in the work. We are confident, extremely confident, that the DA will be brought below 50 percent, well below 50 percent.”
This assertion contrasts with polling data ahead of the elections. Reuters reported on 26 October that surveys suggested the DA should remain above 50% nationally across key metropolitan areas, though analysts expected a tighter race. A report from Daily Maverick dated 27 October highlighted mixed polling for Cape Town, with some polls placing the DA at 46%, while others positioned it higher, indicating uncertainty regarding the party’s support.
The Electoral Commission (IEC) confirmed that by lunchtime on the election day over 824,000 residents in the Western Cape had already cast their votes, despite some delays in the morning. However, the commission did not release party-specific results at that time. The IEC spokeswoman stated,
“More than 824,000 voters had cast ballots in the Western Cape by lunchtime.”
Varrie’s confidence reflects growing competition in the province, where the DA has traditionally held strong support. Various smaller parties and movements, including the NCC, are increasing their grassroots efforts and campaigning on issues like housing, crime, and service delivery. This election cycle is being closely watched as the balance of power in Cape Town and the broader Western Cape may be shifting.
Despite Varrie’s statement and the high voter turnout reported by the IEC, the claim that the DA will fall below 50% remains unverified. Official election results have yet to be published, making it premature to confirm whether the DA’s support has dropped as much as predicted. The Cape Flats News team will provide updates as results become available and the political landscape in the Western Cape becomes clearer.