ANC begins early groundwork for 2026 local elections as SACP decision to contest independently signals a major shift in alliance politics…reports Africa Daily Newsdesk
South Africa’s ruling African National Congress has begun early preparations for the 2026 local government elections, even as a significant shift emerges within its long standing alliance. The South African Communist Party has announced it will contest the polls independently, a move that could reshape the country’s political landscape.
Speaking in Johannesburg, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula confirmed that the party has already started selecting candidates for key municipal positions. He said the process will focus on identifying strong contenders through a rigorous system of vetting and interviews led by senior party officials.
Mbalula acknowledged the SACP’s decision to break ranks electorally, describing it as a development with potentially wide political consequences. Despite the shift, he clarified that the SACP remains an ally within the broader political movement, and that dual membership between the two parties will continue.
However, he made it clear that members will not be allowed to stand for both parties in the same election. Mbalula said he plans to write to individuals who belong to both organisations, giving them ten days to declare under which banner they intend to contest.
“There will be no dual contesting,” he stated, underlining the ANC’s effort to maintain organisational clarity ahead of the elections.
The ANC is expected to officially launch its local election campaign in July 2026, marking the start of a nationwide outreach effort as it seeks to retain its dominance in municipal governance.
Meanwhile, the Independent Electoral Commission has indicated that the local government elections will take place between November 2, 2026, and late January 2027. Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo revealed that the political field has become increasingly crowded, with dozens of new parties registering since the 2024 general election.
According to Mamabolo, a total of 472 political parties are now registered in South Africa. Of these, 287 operate at a national level, while the rest are active at provincial, district, or municipal levels. This expansion signals a more competitive electoral environment ahead of the municipal polls.
Mamabolo also encouraged public participation in ongoing discussions about the possible introduction of electronic voting. However, he emphasised that traditional paper ballots will remain in use for the upcoming elections due to the absence of a comprehensive legal and policy framework for e voting.
As preparations gather pace, the ANC faces both internal adjustments and growing external competition, setting the stage for a closely watched electoral contest in 2026.
