ANC Starts Election Preparations as SACP Goes Solo for 2026

Key Takeaways

ANC is preparing for the 2026 local government elections .

SACP will contest elections independently.

Candidate selection will involve a rigorous vetting process.

Dual membership between ANC and SACP will be maintained, but no dual candidacy.

Traditional paper ballots will remain in use for the elections.

Johannesburg, April 20 (NationPress) The ruling party of South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC), has initiated its preparations for the upcoming 2026 local government elections. This comes at a time when its historical ally, the South African Communist Party (SACP), has opted to participate in the elections independently.

During a media briefing in Johannesburg, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula outlined the party's strategy and action plan for the local elections.

Mbalula noted that the SACP's decision to contest the elections without its coalition partners could have significant political repercussions, as reported by Xinhua.

"We are in the process of selecting mayors and councillors, aiming to choose the most qualified candidates," Mbalula stated. He emphasized that the candidates would undergo a rigorous vetting process, including interviews led by the party's senior officials.

Next week, Mbalula plans to send a letter to members holding dual membership in both the ANC and the SACP, providing them a 10-day window to clarify which party they intend to represent during the elections.

"The SACP remains a member of the ANC, and while dual membership will be preserved, no candidate will be allowed to contest for both parties," he clarified.

Furthermore, Mbalula announced that the ANC is set to officially kick off its local election campaign in July 2026, marking the commencement of its engagement efforts.

In a related announcement made in August 2025, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) indicated that South Africa’s local government elections are slated to occur between November 2, 2026, and the end of January 2027.

IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo revealed that since the 2024 general election, 34 new political parties have been registered, including 13 since July, bringing the total to 472 registered parties.

Of these, 287 are registered at the national level, while 185 are registered at provincial, district, or municipal levels, as stated in August 2025.

He encouraged citizens to engage in public discussions regarding the viability and future of electronic voting, while reaffirming that traditional paper ballots will be used in the upcoming municipal elections.

This decision stems from the current lack of a national policy and a definitive legal framework for the implementation of electronic voting in the country.

Point of View

The ANC's election preparations amid the SACP's independent candidacy represent a pivotal moment in South African politics. This shift could potentially alter alliances and voter dynamics significantly.

NationPress

2 Aug 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the SACP contesting independently?

The SACP's decision to contest independently from the ANC may lead to a shift in political dynamics and influence the outcomes of the upcoming elections.

When will the local government elections take place?

The local government elections are scheduled to occur between November 2, 2026, and January 2027.

How is the ANC selecting its candidates for the elections?

The ANC is employing a detailed vetting process for candidates, which includes interviews conducted by the party's leadership.

Will dual membership between ANC and SACP continue?

Yes, dual membership will remain, but members cannot contest elections for both parties.

What is the status of electronic voting in South Africa?

Currently, physical ballot papers will be used in the upcoming elections due to the lack of a national policy for electronic voting.