We wish to present an update on several key developments in the electoral landscape, our activities in the first quarter of the present financial year, and upcoming activities as we prepare for the 2026/2027 Local Government Elections. As will be apparent from the contents of this statement, our institutional efforts underscore a commitment to a transparent and inclusive electoral process, ensuring that all stakeholders are well-informed and thus able to participate meaningfully.
Women Championing Democracy
This media briefing takes place during a pivotal month when we commemorate the monumental contributions of women in bringing about a democratic order and their continued contributions to sustaining electoral democracy.
The following key statistics are worth noting as we commemorate Women’s Month:
- 55 per cent of the 27.6 million registered voters are women.
- In the 2024 general elections, 57 per cent of the 16.2 million voters were women.
- Women’s representation in Parliament stands at 43 percent, which marks a regrettable marginal reduction from the previous 46 per cent following the 2019 general elections.
- Impressively, women continue to constitute the majority of the electoral staff cohort at 73%.
During Women’s Month, the Electoral Commission is engaging stakeholders to promote inclusive participation and gender equality in the electoral process across all nine provinces. Tomorrow, the Electoral Commission will host its national event celebrating women championing democracy at Constitutional Hill, Women’s Jail in Johannesburg. The event will bring together stakeholders from diverse sectors, including political parties, civil society, women in business, as well as representatives from the youth and disability sectors. The event will further explore steps to foster greater participation of women as both candidates and elected representatives.
The 2024 Election Report
In accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Commission Act, the Commission tabled the 2024 National and Provincial Elections Report (Election Report) in the National Assembly in early July. The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs invited the Commission to a presentation of the report on 15 July. The discussions with the portfolio committee were robust, which is a condition necessary for improved electoral performance.
The highlights of the NPE 2024 Election Report are as follows:
- The election report makes a point that the elections met international standards for freeness and fairness and met the constitutional and legal standards.
- The 2024 general elections were a huge national undertaking with the following salient statistics:
- 27.78 million registered voters, the highest since 1999 when the voters’ roll was first introduced.
- 23 292 voting stations were used (936 temporary and 32 mobile stations). This reduced the average voters per station from 1900 to 916.
- 90 million ballot papers were printed within a strict three-week period. A dual-column ballot paper was used for the first time to accommodate more contestants.
- 14 886 candidates contested 887 seats, including 11 independents.
- 16.2 million citizens voted (58% turnout), including 1.1 million who used special voting.
- 200 526 election staff were recruited and trained.
- 88 court cases challenged aspects of the process; the Commission prevailed in all but one (pending appeal).
The Commission clarified that the leaderboard technical glitch was not a hacking attempt but a result of an optimisation solution in the results database system.
At the conclusion, the Portfolio Committee welcomed the report, acknowledged areas for improvement, and commended the Commission for delivering free, fair, and credible elections.
Timeline for 2026/2027 Local Government Elections
The law provides that municipal councils serve five years, and elections must be held within 90 days of term expiry. Councils elected on 1 November 2021 end their term on 2 November 2026. Therefore, elections fall due between 2 November 2026 and 31 January 2027.
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, in consultation with the Commission, has the authority to set the date. Consultations have started but are not yet concluded.
The Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) is finalising ward boundaries and will hand them over by October 2025, with 18 municipalities pending due to boundary review requests. Once wards are finalised, the Commission will realign voting districts to prepare for voter registration.
Election of Representatives
- Since 1 April 2025, the Commission has administered 39 ward by-elections.
- Highest vacancies: Gauteng (8), Eastern Cape (7), Western Cape (7), KwaZulu-Natal (6).
- Average voter turnout: 41.58%.
- 149 proportional representative councillors replaced between April–August 2025.
- On average, 377 PR councillors are replaced yearly.
Registration of Political Parties
- Since 2024, 34 new parties have been registered (13 since July 2025).
- Total registered parties: 472 (287 national, 185 provincial/municipal).
From November 2025, the Commission will hold information sessions with unrepresented parties and independents covering:
- Legislative framework for local government,
- Contesting requirements,
- Election roadmap and milestones,
- Vote-to-seat allocation.
Party Funding
In June 2025, the Commission held its first Political Funding Symposium in Durban.
Key issues discussed:
- Possible review of disclosure requirements.
- Extending funding to local government and unrepresented parties.
- Strengthening oversight and enforcement.
- Encouraging private sector contributions to the Multi-Party Democracy Fund (MPDF).
- Regulations amended on 18 August 2025:
- Minimum disclosure threshold raised to R200,000.
- Maximum annual donation limit raised to R30 million.
Voter Education
- Between April–August 2025, the CDE programme hosted 24 388 voter education events.
- Provincial breakdown: Limpopo (4 562), KZN (4 136), Eastern Cape (3 448), Gauteng (2 961), Mpumalanga (2 703), Western Cape (2 456), North-West (1 782), Free State (1 172), Northern Cape (1 168).
- Focus: first-time voters, youth participation, civic responsibility.
Appointment of Commissioners
- Three vacancies effective November 2025.
- Chief Justice submitted shortlist of eight candidates to Parliament.
- Portfolio Committee to recommend three names to the National Assembly for resolution.
- The President will appoint and designate a chairperson thereafter.
Electronic Voting
- Public consultations on e-voting are ongoing across provinces.
- Citizens are invited to submit comments to evoting@elections.org.za by September 2025.
- Comments will inform a Green Paper to be submitted to the Minister of Home Affairs.
- No decision has been made to adopt e-voting — 2026 elections will use physical ballots.
IEC Receives Clean Audit (5th Consecutive Year)
- Auditor-General issued a clean audit for 2024/25 (including political funding accounts).
- Marks the fifth consecutive year of clean audits.
- Confirms prudent financial management and transparency.
Job Scams Warning
- Public warned about fake job adverts and fraudulent pages.
- Legitimate IEC vacancies appear only on the official website and verified social media pages.
Register Where You Live, Vote Where You’re Registered
- Citizens urged to register in their residential wards.
- Those who have moved must update addresses.
- Online registration: registertovote.elections.org.za (24/7, secure, quick).
- Every vote counts — your voice shapes your community.