JOHANNESBURG - An estimated 15.9 million voters participated in South Africa’s 2026 local government elections, almost four million more than in the 2021 polls.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) released the figure in its latest results update.
About 15.9 million of the country’s 29.2 million registered voters cast their ballots, translating into an estimated voter turnout of 54.5%.
This is an increase from the 46% turnout recorded during the 2021 local government elections, which took place amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
READ: IEC: Votes are in safe hands as results verification gets underway
With approximately a quarter of results captured, control of South Africa’s major cities remains uncertain as votes are counted across 257 municipalities.
The elections are being viewed as an important indicator of the country’s political mood ahead of the 2029 national elections.
- Additional reporting AFP