LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS 2026 | GAUTENG
Special voting underway as Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni face intense political contest
JOHANNESBURG – Gauteng is entering a decisive period ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, with political parties making their final appeals to voters while the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) intensifies preparations to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.
Special voting commenced on Monday, 2 November, and will continue until Tuesday, 3 November, ahead of the main election day on Wednesday, 4 November.
The province has recorded the highest number of approved special votes nationally, with 480 721 voters cleared to participate in the process. Of these, 391 589 are approved to cast their ballots at their registered voting stations, while the remaining voters will receive assistance through home visits.
The special voting arrangements are intended to accommodate registered voters who may be unable to vote on the main election day due to physical infirmity, disability or other qualifying circumstances.
The IEC has deployed electoral officials to administer the process, with voting stations operating from 08:00 to 17:00 during the special voting period.
Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni in the spotlight
The elections are expected to place Gauteng’s major metropolitan municipalities under intense scrutiny, particularly Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni.
These municipalities remain central to the province’s political landscape, with service delivery, municipal finances, infrastructure maintenance and economic development emerging as critical issues for voters.
Johannesburg, in particular, is expected to attract significant political attention as residents continue to raise concerns about ageing water and electricity infrastructure, policing, municipal services and the reliability of local government.
Recent election build-up reporting has highlighted growing frustration among residents who believe political campaigns should be supported by practical solutions rather than promises.
Voters are increasingly calling on political parties to demonstrate how they intend to improve the delivery of basic services, restore public confidence and ensure that municipalities are financially sustainable.
The fragmented political landscape is also expected to influence the outcome of the elections, with coalition arrangements potentially determining the leadership of some municipalities.
Nationally, the growing number of political parties competing for municipal seats has increased the likelihood of closely contested councils and complex coalition negotiations.
IEC strengthens election preparations
The IEC has assured South Africans that preparations for the elections are progressing, with election materials, infrastructure and personnel being deployed across the country.
According to the Commission’s readiness update issued in October, Gauteng will host its Provincial Results Operations Centre at the Alberton Civic Centre.
The national results operations centre was established at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, placing Gauteng at the centre of the country’s election administration and results management.
The IEC has also been working to strengthen the integrity of its election results system following concerns raised during previous elections.
Political parties were given an opportunity to test the system’s integrity, functionality, security and reliability as part of efforts to improve transparency and confidence in the results process.
The Commission has further accredited 109 domestic observer organisations to monitor the elections and strengthen accountability.
Security and peaceful campaigning
Security arrangements remain a key priority as political parties conclude their campaigns and voters prepare to visit polling stations.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has confirmed that law enforcement agencies are prepared to safeguard the elections, with deployments intended to prevent intimidation, political violence and criminal activity.
The IEC has also urged political contestants and supporters to respect the Electoral Code of Conduct and allow voters to exercise their democratic rights without interference.
The Commission has warned against conduct that could obstruct voting, interfere with election materials or intimidate electoral officials.
Voters urged to participate
The IEC is encouraging registered voters to verify their voting station details before heading to the polls.
Voters can check their registration information by sending their ID number via WhatsApp to 0600 88 0000 or by SMS to 32810, at a cost of R1 per SMS.
Voters are reminded that they may only vote at the station where they are registered.
With the main voting day approaching, the outcome in Gauteng is expected to have significant implications for municipal leadership, coalition politics and the delivery of essential services across the province.
For residents, the elections represent an opportunity to hold municipal leadership accountable and influence the direction of their communities over the next five years.
