RC 261105702Africa Melane
Thursday, 5 November 2026
Early counting and higher turnout than 2021 dominated the day after South Africa's local government elections, with coalitions looming in many councils and a few polling-day disruptions.
- 05:01
The IEC says 12 million people had cast votes by 5pm on polling day before stations closed at 9pm, with the final turnout figure still to be released.
- 05:58
Early counts show five councils already hung with no outright majority, so coalitions will have to be negotiated, with the DA holding 46 seats allocated so far.
- 05:03
Police are investigating after a voting officer was removed from post as unmarked ballots and a security stamp went missing from a guardhouse before polling day, and new stamp codes were issued.
- 05:55
Voting at an Alexandra high school was briefly halted as community members protested the murder of a 23-year-old man; public order police were deployed before voting resumed.
- 05:57
The IEC says the law allows seven days to declare results, but it hopes to declare by the end of the calendar week, with a declaration expected around Sunday.