IEC notes significant looming challenges ahead of local govt polls

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is on the ground in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) this week, saying the challenges to deal with ahead of 2026’s local government elections are significant.

Chairperson Mosotho Moepya has told Parliament’s Home Affairs Committee that although an election date is yet to be proclaimed, the commission is working in earnest to be prepared.

The commission was before the committee on Tuesday to brief it on its annual performance plan for the year ahead, with a budget of R3.1 billion.

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While the IEC has not elaborated on the challenges it believes need to be addressed ahead of the local government polls in KZN, Moepya said he’s concerned and will brief Parliament about this on another occasion.

KZNl has a well-known history of political violence and civil unrest.

Moepya said engagements are being held with political parties, faith-based organisations and civil society to encourage people to vote.

“It is pointing out that in KwaZulu-Natal the challenges are indeed significant.”

The commission said it’s also working through a voter satisfaction survey to address issues highlighted by voters.

“It requires us to put in extraordinary amounts of work to ensure that we reach voters, that we get people forward to registering and voting.”

Meanwhile, IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo said the commission is 80% complete in preparing its information technology systems and testing voter management devices.

Two registration weekends are planned for June and August, after which the IEC expects Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa to announce an election date.