RC 261109SAfmCathy Mohlahlana
Monday, 9 November 2026
Coalition arithmetic dominated the Monday after the 2026 local elections, with 138 hung councils, a historic ANC slump to 30.76%, and the Douglas revote dispute.
- 06:01
The ANC won 30.76% nationally, its lowest share since democracy, while the DA took 24.64% and the MK Party 9.76%; the IEC declared the elections free and fair.
- 06:02
The Electoral Commission says Douglas in the Northern Cape will be withheld and revoted after 100 ballot papers were destroyed at Bungani Community Hall, with five suspects arrested by the Hawks.
- 06:13
Around 138 councils have no outright majority, and Cape Town is the only metro where one party can govern alone; the ANC's national task team is due to present coalition options this week.
- 07:13
The SACP says the ANC cannot count on its support in hung councils and has ruled out a coalition with the DA, while the UDM says it will seek an alternative government excluding the ANC.
- 07:01
The IEC's commissioned study found the elections took place in a climate of low public trust, with turnout at 52% but over 14 million eligible voters not casting ballots.