34 New Political Parties To Contest Local Government Elections Between 2026 and 2027

• The Independent Electoral Commission revealed that more political parties will be contesting the local government elections
• The Commission held a press briefing on 26 August to provide an update on the preparations for the local government elections
• The IEC's Chief Electoral Commissioner, Sy Mamabolo, said that the elections could be held in late 2026 or early 2027

With over seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News, Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist, offered insights into South African politics, national, provincial, and local governance, the Government of National Unity, political parties, and Parliament.

PRETORIA, GAUTENG — The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said that 34 new political parties will be contesting the upcoming Local Government elections (LGE). The IEC also said on 26 August 2025 that the elections are expected to take place in late 2026 or early 2027.

The IEC's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sy Mamabolo, said in a press briefing that the commission registered 34 new political parties since the 2024 general elections. No party won a majority in the general elections. The African National Congress formed a Government of National Unity after the elections.

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Mamabolo said that 13 new political parties were registered between July and August. There are a total of 472 registered political parties in the country. Of these parties, 287 parties are registered nationally, while 185 are registered provincially or on a district level. Mamabolo also said that the IEC will have information sessions with registered but unrepresented parties in November.

When will the elections take place?

Mamabolo also said that the elections could take place between 2 November 2026 and 31 January 2027. He said that the commission will soon begin consultations with the Minister of Cooperative Governance, Velenkosini Hlabisa. The IEC also previously said that it expects one voter registration weekend for the upcoming elections.

What did South Africans say?

Netizens commented on Facebook on the announcement date of the election.

Norman Dent said:

"The elections need to be as late as possible so the ANC can loot."

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Sydney Kumalo said:

"How prepared would they be to work as an independent agency?"

Sphamandla Mthembu said:

"Very exciting that the ANC continues to deteriorate. By 2027, it will be around 10-15%."

Tiiso Williams said:

"They're convincing us to accept the 2027 date they've already decided upon, and that will be after the 8th of January."

Kgashane Mathipa said:

"During this time, they know that people will be scattered and will not be able to vote because they will be where they are not registered."

IEC supports the implementation of electronic voting

In a related article, Briefly News reported that the IEC expressed its support for electronic voting. The IEC said it would promote efficiency and inclusivity.

Submissions were made to stakeholders on 15 August 2025 in Bloemfontein, Free State. The IEC's Head of Research, Thabo Rapoo, said that electronic voting would save time by making it easier to vote and count votes.

Source: Briefly News