Record 136,790 Candidates Set for November Local Government Elections, IEC Confirms Final Lists

PRETORIA, Gauteng — A record 136,790 candidates are officially set to contest the upcoming November Local Government Elections, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) confirmed following the release of the final candidate lists. IEC Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Masego Sheburi outlined the next critical steps for the electoral process, emphasizing that the commission is moving forward with ballot printing and voter education despite the unprecedented volume of contestants.

During the announcement, the IEC revealed that more than 5,000 prospective candidates were disqualified for failing to pay required deposits or submit correct documentation.

The finalization of the lists follows a recent electoral court victory for the IEC against the ANC regarding candidate eligibility. While the ANC has indicated an intention to appeal the ruling, Sheburi stressed that the current decision provides the certainty needed to proceed. He warned that a successful appeal could imperil proper election preparations, as reprinting ballots for affected municipalities would leave no room within the strict electoral timetable.

With the candidate lists finalized, the IEC will convene a meeting of all nationally contesting parties next week. This gathering will serve two primary purposes: having parties sign a code of conduct to ensure democratic campaigning, and administering a public ballot paper draw. This draw will randomly determine the sequencing and order of political parties and candidates, neutralizing any perceived advantage of securing the top spot on the ballot.

Following the draw, the IEC will begin printing a massive array of unique ballots: 4,468 for wards, 205 for local municipalities, eight distinct ballots for metros, and 44 for district municipalities.

Due to the high number of contestants, voters in at least eight municipalities and certain wards with more than 44 competing parties will encounter double-column ballot papers. However, Sheburi assured the public that these will still be presented as a single, manageable page.

To mitigate voter confusion, the IEC has implemented strict ballot design rules. Parties with similar names or color schemes that could mislead voters will be intentionally separated. In alphabetical clusters, the longest-registered party will retain its position, while subsequently registered parties with similar identifiers will be repositioned within the same cluster. Furthermore, based on extensive voter research, party logos will be placed closest to the voting mark box to assist voters, particularly those with limited literacy, in navigating their choices. Sheburi noted that in previous elections utilizing double-column formats, the rate of spoiled ballots actually decreased.

Civic and voter education campaigns will now sharply focus on helping citizens navigate these unwieldy ballot papers, ensuring they can cast their votes with confidence and efficiency.

The IEC also announced that applications for special votes will open on September 21 and remain open until November 12. Voters unable to visit a polling station on election day due to physical condition, illness, or advanced age can apply via SMS for approval to vote at their registered station on the Monday or Tuesday preceding the November 4 election. Voters in confinement must apply via the IEC website, as additional details, including a physical address, are required to facilitate ballot delivery.

With the statutory requirements met and the electoral calendar firmly in motion, the IEC is urging all eligible voters to familiarize themselves with the upcoming voting processes to ensure a smooth and inclusive democratic exercise.