The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is advancing its preparations for the upcoming local government elections, confirming that 508 registered political parties are poised to contest, despite a proclamation date still pending.
The electoral body provided a comprehensive update on its state of readiness during a media briefing. While the exact date for the elections is still under discussion with the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, the commission asserts it is preparing for all possible scenarios.
IEC Deputy Electoral Officer Masego Sheburi outlined the legal timeframe for the polls, clarifying that the current municipal councils, elected on 1 November 2021, will see their five-year term end on 1 November 2026. By law, an election must then be held within the following 90 days.
“This means the latest date on which an election may be lawfully called is the 30th of January 2027,” Sheburi stated. He explained that the election window spans from 2 November 2026 to 30 January 2027, with any Wednesday within that period being a potential election day. The commission is aiming to be ready by the first possible date within this window.
Sheburi also addressed the issue of political party proliferation, confirming that 62 new parties have been registered since the last local elections. To combat the problem of “ghost parties” – those registered but inactive – the IEC has measures in place to deregister entities that fail to meet their obligations.
“Earlier this year in March, the commission deregistered 152 political parties that were registered but never contested any elections,” Sheburi revealed. He emphasized that registration alone does not guarantee a spot on the ballot, as parties must still meet nomination and deposit requirements to contest.
On the topic of technology, the deputy electoral officer confirmed the IEC is exploring the integration of digital platforms into the voting process. However, he cautioned that any technological adoption must first build public trust, be underpinned by a clear legal framework, and introduce genuine efficiencies without compromising the safeguards of the current manual system.
A significant concern remains voter apathy, with Sheburi acknowledging declining participation rates. In response, the IEC reported ongoing civic and voter education efforts, which have already yielded over 300,000 new voter registrations this year, predominantly from young people. The commission is finalizing a major campaign for next year aimed at reinvigorating public belief in democratic processes.
“The big question is why must I continue to be invested in a democracy,” Sheburi said, summarizing a common public sentiment. “We must respond to those who do not intend to vote and give them a reason still to believe in democracy.”