More than 1.4 million South Africans have cast their special votes ahead of Wednesday’s 2026 Local Government Elections, with Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) Chairperson Mosotho Moepya confirming the Commission’s readiness for Election Day.
Addressing the media at the National Results Operations Centre in Midrand on Tuesday, Moepya said 1,425,942 voters had cast their ballots during the two-day special voting period, which concluded on Tuesday.
“The Electoral Commission successfully concluded the two-day Special Voting, providing approximately 2.6 million approved voters who otherwise unable to vote on Election Day with an opportunity to cast their votes in advance,” said Moepya.
Of those who voted, 974,852 cast their ballots at voting stations, while 451,090 were assisted through home visits.
Gauteng recorded the highest number of special votes at 264,898, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 208,846 and the Eastern Cape with 207,258.
Limpopo recorded 180,627 votes, Mpumalanga 149,714, the Western Cape 148,493, the North West 126,187, the Free State 75,946 and the Northern Cape 63,973.
Moepya cautioned that the figures were preliminary and would be finalised later on Tuesday night.
He also confirmed that special ballots had been securely stored and would be counted alongside those cast on Election Day.
“The Special votes have been securely stored and will be counted together with the 4 November 2026 Election Day ballots after closing of voting stations,” he said.
Turning to Election Day preparations, Moepya said the Commission was ready to facilitate the elections across all nine provinces.
“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.
A record 29.2 million registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at 23,696 voting stations countrywide.
Approximately 188,000 IEC officials have been deployed to assist voters and ensure the process runs smoothly.
Moepya said all ballot papers and essential election materials had been secured and distributed to voting stations, with logistical and security arrangements in place.
Voting stations will open at 7am and close at 9pm on Wednesday, November 4.
The IEC has also reminded political parties, independent candidates and their supporters that campaigning must end at midnight on Tuesday.
Moepya said the restrictions were intended to protect voters from undue influence and intimidation ahead of the elections.
“These measures are intended to provide voters with the opportunity to exercise their democratic choice free from influence, intimidation or interference,” he said.
Campaigning, canvassing, door-to-door activities, demonstrations and rallies will no longer be permitted after the deadline.
Voters have also been reminded to present a valid South African identity document, smart ID card or Temporary Identity Certificate when reporting to vote.
