The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has assured South Africans that it is ready to administer the 2026 Local Government Elections, urging eligible voters, political parties, independent candidates, election observers and other stakeholders to contribute to a peaceful Election Day on Wednesday.
Briefing the media at the National Results Operations Centre in Midrand, IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya confirmed that ballot papers and essential election materials had been secured and distributed to voting stations, with logistical, security and operational arrangements in place.
Moepya called on all stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and respect the electoral process.
“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.
“The Commission remains committed to ensuring that every eligible voter is afforded the opportunity to cast their ballot in a free, fair, credible and peaceful electoral process,” said Moepya.
He expressed confidence in the Commission’s readiness, saying operational arrangements had been put in place across all nine provinces to facilitate a smooth and efficient voting process.
“As we transition to Election Day, it is important to restate the facts about the 2026 Local Government Elections.
“The Commission recorded an unprecedented 29.2 million voters registered to vote across 23,696 voting stations nationwide.
“A total of 188,000 IEC officials have been deployed across the country’s voting stations. They are fully equipped and ready to assist voters and ensure that the voting process is conducted efficiently and in accordance with electoral procedures,” Moepya said.
The IEC Chairperson reminded voters to comply with election-day rules to protect the secrecy, integrity and orderly conduct of the voting process.
Voters must present a valid South African identity document, smart ID card or temporary identity certificate when reporting to vote, Moepya said.
He also reminded voters that ballot papers must be marked in secret inside the designated voting booth, and that taking photographs of completed or marked ballot papers is prohibited.
“The secrecy of every vote is a fundamental principle of South Africa’s democracy and must always be protected.
“Party regalia, campaign materials, canvassing and any attempt to influence voters inside or in the immediate vicinity of voting stations are prohibited,” he warned.
Moepya further urged voters and stakeholders not to intimidate, obstruct or interfere with anyone exercising their democratic rights or with electoral officials carrying out their duties.
The Commission also encouraged responsible use of social media, urging members of the public to verify electoral information through official channels before sharing it.
Voting stations will open at 07:00 and close at 21:00 tonight.
