ANC vote share drops to 30.76% in 2026 local elections
The ruling party lost over 1.5 million votes compared to the 2021 municipal elections, facing coalition challenges.
The African National Congress (ANC) secured 30.76% of the national vote in the 2026 Local Government Elections, its lowest share since 1994. The party received 9 160 691 votes, a decrease of more than 1.5 million from the 10 699 300 votes in 2021. This result places President Cyril Ramaphosa and the party leadership under pressure regarding their political future and ability to govern.
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) confirmed that 127 councils are now hung, meaning no single party achieved an outright majority. The ANC, despite remaining the largest party nationally, will need to negotiate coalition agreements to govern many municipalities. The Democratic Alliance (DA) increased its vote share to 24.64%, and the new MK Party secured 9.76% of the vote.
Coalition politics will shape municipal administrations over the next five years, with parties like the DA, MK Party, and ActionSA playing significant roles. The ANC's support has declined across successive elections since 1994, with the 2021 local elections marking the first time it fell below 50% nationally.
Why it mattersThe ANC's declining support and the rise of coalition politics directly affect how South Africa's municipalities will be governed.