IEC sees no political violence hotspots ahead of 2026 Local Government Elections
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says it has not identified any provinces, municipalities, or metros as potential hotspots for political violence ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
This comes amid ongoing concerns over politically motivated killings that have marred several election cycles, particularly at local government level, where competition for political office and control over municipal resources has often turned deadly.
The Moerane Commission of Enquiry, which investigated the murder of politicians in KwaZulu-Natal, found that most killings occurred at local government level and involved councillors and branch leaders across political parties.
The report pointed to fierce competition for access to resources and tenders, factional battles within parties, and the recruitment of criminal elements by politicians to achieve political ends.
It also identified serious weaknesses within the criminal justice and intelligence systems, which it said undermined efforts to prevent and solve political murders.
The commission held a media briefing in Centurion on Tuesday to update the public on preparations and key developments ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
IEC deputy chief electoral officer Masego Sheburi said the commission had not received any warnings or alerts from state security structures that would raise concern.
“So far, we have not received any worrying warnings from these structures,” Sheburi said during a media briefing on Tuesday.
He said the IEC was working closely with state institutions, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), to monitor and plan for any possible risks.
“SAPS has already activated national joint planning and operational centres in preparation for the elections,” he said.
An inter-ministerial committee on elections has also been established to support the electoral process and strengthen coordination across government, said Sheburi.
“In that context, we will begin to see if indications of areas of concern emerge and what mitigation steps relevant authorities are taking, including those we, as the Commission, may need to take,” Sheburi said.
Elections are expected to take place between November 2, 2026, and January 31, 2027, although the final date has not yet been confirmed.
Sheburi said the IEC was ready to administer an election on the first Wednesday in November, should that be the date chosen by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosi Hlabisa.
“Our role is to stand ready on the first day an election may be called,” he said. “We stand ready to administer an election on the first Wednesday in November, assuming it will be in November.”
He added that the planning process had considered matric and tertiary exams, as well as weather patterns across the country.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
IOL Politics