SOUTH AFRICA — The African National Congress (ANC) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have officially conceded defeat in the 2026 South Africa Local Government Elections, acknowledging a substantial decline in their electoral support.
Both parties affirmed that the electoral process was free and fair. The ANC experienced a significant drop in voter support, falling from 45% in 2021 to 30% in the current election cycle. Similarly, the EFF saw its support decrease from 10% to 6%.
Addressing the electoral outcome, ANC leadership emphasized the broader political message conveyed by the voters. They recognized that many citizens who previously placed their confidence in the ANC have shifted their allegiance to other political organizations. The party explicitly dismissed allegations of electoral fraud, stating that the Democratic Alliance (DA) did not steal votes. Spokespersons clarified that voters chose the DA of their own volition, rejecting claims of vote theft as false. The ANC also referenced past political rhetoric, noting that voters who previously aligned with opposition parties were making their own choices, despite historical 2024 comments regarding sleeping with the enemy.
In response to the ANC’s assessment, EFF’s founder and leader Julius Malema dismissed the ruling party’s analysis as inadequate, lazy, and half-baked. Despite the electoral concessions, the EFF stated it remains open to coalition negotiations with the ANC. However, Malema explicitly ruled out any coalition arrangement that includes the DA or the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus).
The ANC maintained that it is prepared to engage with all parties, noting that remaining on the opposition benches is also a viable option. Meanwhile, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is scheduled to hold strategic meetings on Sunday and Monday to finalize its coalition strategy.
The IFP asserted its dominance in KwaZulu-Natal, claiming control over five municipalities and leading in 19 others. The party confirmed that mayoral candidates will be drawn from their ranks as the leading party in these areas.
The coalition formation process is set to commence on Monday, immediately following the official release of the results. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is expected to formally declare the final outcomes of the 2026 local government elections on Sunday.
