The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has confirmed that preliminary discussions are underway with the Minister of Home Affairs to decide on an official date for the country’s next local government elections. While the IEC’s Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, clarified that the final decision lies outside the commission’s control, preparations are already in motion for a possible election date as early as 2 November 2026. However, in accordance with legal provisions, the polls could also be scheduled for early 2027 if necessary.
Speaking during a meeting with civil society groups and political parties in Cape Town on Wednesday, as the Western Cape gears up for the next round of municipal polls, Mamabolo provided updates on the IEC’s readiness. He revealed that the national voters’ roll has reached an unprecedented total of over 27 million registered voters the highest in South Africa’s history. Despite this achievement, the commission has faced criticism for not increasing registration numbers even further.
Mamabolo defended the IEC’s role, stressing that while increasing voter participation is an important goal, it falls outside the constitutional mandate of the commission to actively persuade citizens to vote. “The IEC is an independent, non-partisan body. Its voter education messages must operate strictly within those boundaries,” he explained. “Encouraging political participation beyond registration is a party-political matter, and if the IEC were to take that on, it would compromise its independence and impartiality.”
Currently, nearly 85% of eligible voters are on the voters’ roll, and while raising that figure to 90% has been described as a “noble aim,” Mamabolo insisted that the commission’s responsibility is to ensure fair, accessible, and credible elections, not to engage in political mobilization.
On the logistical front, the IEC is in discussions with the National Treasury to determine the financial feasibility of conducting one or two nationwide registration drives before the next elections. These drives would aim to capture new eligible voters and update details for those who have changed addresses or voting districts.
As South Africa approaches a critical electoral season, the IEC’s emphasis remains on upholding transparency, independence, and readiness, ensuring that whenever the election date is announced, whether in late 2026 or early 2027 the country will be fully prepared for a smooth democratic process.
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