Local Government Elections 2026 : elections.org.za

Organisation : Electoral Commission of South Africa
Election Name : Local Government Elections 2026
Country : South Africa
Election Date : 4th November 2026
Website : https://www.elections.org.za/pw/News-And-Media/Events/Event-Details/Local-Government-Elections-2026?

What is Local Government Elections?

Local Government Elections (LGE) in South Africa are democratic polls held every five years to elect councils for all district, metropolitan, and local municipalities. Managed by the independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), these elections choose the ward councillors and political parties responsible for managing local cities, towns, and communities.

How To Register For Local Government Elections?

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed Wednesday, 4 November 2026 as the date for South Africa’s Local Government Elections. Not registered yet, or moved recently? Make sure you’re registered at the voting district where you currently live, as you can only vote where you’re registered. Register or update your details Online at registertovote.elections.org.za

The Electoral Commission encourages all eligible South Africans who are not yet registered, or who have changed their place of residence, to ensure that they are registered in the voting district where they ordinarily reside, as voters may only vote at the voting station where they are registered.

The Electoral Commission, however, notes that this announcement does not constitute the formal proclamation of the election date. In terms of the law, the official proclamation will be made by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, at which point the voters’ roll will be closed.

Prospective voters are invited to make use of the Commission’s online registration platform available at registertovote.elections.org.za by visiting the Electoral Commission website on a desktop computer or mobile phone to register or update their registration details.

The Commission urges all eligible citizens to take this opportunity to verify their registration details early and to participate fully in shaping the future of their local communities.

Local Government Elections Date

Nov 04, 2026 07:00 AM to Nov 04, 2026 09:00 PM

The Electoral System:
South African municipal elections operate on a mixed-member proportional representation system

Metropolitan Areas:
Voters receive two ballots. One ballot directly elects a ward councillor. The second ballot goes to a political party list to determine proportional representation (PR) seats.

Local & District Municipalities:
Voters outside metropolitan areas receive three ballots. These include one for a ward councillor, one for the local council party list, and one for the overarching district council party list.

Terms:
Elected councillors serve a fixed five-year term.