South Africa’s Municipal Vote Tests ANC Support

South Africa’s Nov. 4 municipal elections are shaping up as a test of support for the African National Congress, with polling pointing to losses in major cities and the prospect of coalition governments. The forecasts are not election results, and the parties that will govern after voting remain unknown. Voters will elect councillors in 250-plus municipalities, responsible for services including water, sanitation and refuse collection. Councillors will then choose mayors. The election is the first nationwide vote since the ANC lost its parliamentary majority in 2024 and entered a national governing partnership with the Democratic Alliance and smaller parties. An Ipsos poll conducted from Sept. 12 to Oct. 13 put national support for the ANC at 30%. In Johannesburg and Tshwane, about 30% of respondents said they backed the party, while support in Durban was 10%, according to the poll. The same survey found the ANC retaining stronger support in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape, where an earlier Ipsos poll put its backing near 60%. Polling in Johannesburg reported for October put the DA at 29% to 36% and the ANC at 22% to 27%. Analysts cited in that report said the DA might not secure...