South Africa votes today as IEC declares readiness for polls

As South Africans prepare to vote in the local government elections on Wednesday, the Electoral Commission (IEC) says it is fully prepared for the polls after successfully concluding two days of special voting that saw more than 1.4 million South Africans cast their ballots, providing a major test of the electoral system ahead of the country’s biggest democratic exercise.

The IEC briefed the media on Tuesday, on the eve of the local government elections.

IEC ready

IEC chairperson Sy Mamabolo said the smooth conduct of special voting demonstrated the Commission’s operational readiness and reflected strong voter participation across the country.

“We are encouraged by the enthusiasm of South Africans who showed up during the two days of special voting,” said Mamabolo.

The Commission confirmed that 1,425,942 voters cast special votes between 2 and 3 November, including 974,852 at voting stations and 451,090 through home visits.

Delays

While the first day of special voting was largely successful, the IEC acknowledged delays at some voting stations in the City of Cape Town after ballot papers were delivered late. However, all affected stations subsequently opened and remained operational.

“The day’s proceedings created a solid basis for improved performance on Election Day,” Mamabolo said.

Stats

Gauteng recorded the highest number of special votes. This is the breakdown.

• Gauteng – 264 898
• KwaZulu-Natal – 208 846
• Eastern Cape – 207 258
• Limpopo – 180 627
• Mpumalanga – 149 714
• Western Cape – 148 493
• North West – 126 817
• Free State – 75 946
• Northern Cape – 63 973

Counting

Mamabolo said all special vote ballots had been securely stored and would be counted together with Election Day ballots once voting stations close on Wednesday evening.

“The Electoral Commission is fully prepared for Election Day, with operational arrangements in place across all nine provinces to facilitate a smooth and efficient voting process,” he said.

Registered voters

The IEC said a record 29.2 million voters are registered for the 2026 local government elections and that 188,000 election officials have been deployed nationwide.

Mamabolo urged voters to ensure they report to the voting station where they are registered and to carry a valid South African identity document.

“The secrecy of every vote is a fundamental principle of South Africa’s democracy and must always be protected,” he said, warning that taking photographs of marked ballot papers remains prohibited.

Peace

With campaigning set to end at midnight, Mamabolo called on voters, political parties and candidates to help ensure a peaceful poll.

“We urge voters, political parties, independent candidates, observers and all stakeholders to uphold the principles of democracy, respect the electoral process and contribute to a peaceful Election Day,” he said.