ANC leads South African local elections without most majorities

The Electoral Commission of South Africa confirmed the final results of the 2026 local government elections on Sunday, after three days of counting. The African National Congress remained the largest party nationally, with 30.76% of the vote and 3,246 council seats, but no party won an outright majority in most municipalities.

The Democratic Alliance finished second, receiving 24.64% and 1,695 seats. The uMkhonto weSizwe Party received 9.76% and won 785 seats, while the Economic Freedom Fighters took 6.22% and 588 seats. ActionSA received 5.67% and secured 313 seats. Independent candidates collectively received 22.9% of the vote and won representation on municipal councils, according to the final results.

Of 213 municipalities, 74 had a party with an outright majority. The ANC controlled 53 outright and was the leading party in 128 municipalities. The DA had outright control in 12 and led in 32. The Inkatha Freedom Party controlled five municipalities and led in 19, while the uMkhonto weSizwe Party controlled three and led in 19. Rise Tsantsabane Communities secured one municipality.

The final tally followed a review of objections and recounts that delayed the results...