IEC holds talks with Hlabisa to finalise date for the upcoming local govt elections

JOHANNESBURG - The Electoral Commission (IEC) has started talks with Cooperative Governance Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa to finalise a date for the upcoming local government elections.

The five-year term of municipal councils is set to expire in November next year, with elections expected to take place shortly thereafter.

The law requires new local government elections to be held within 90 days after the term ends.

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Outlining the IEC’s ongoing preparations for the upcoming local government elections, Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo confirmed the municipal polls must be conducted no later than the 27th January 2027.

"The general elections of municipal councils fall due between 2 November 2026 and the end of January 2027. The authority to set a date and call an election lies with the Minister of Co-operatives Governance and Traditional Affairs following consultation with the commission. Consultations between the minister and the commission have commenced, but yet to be concluded."