Seventy-eight million ballot papers are in production for South Africa’s local government elections on 4 November 2026, part of an operational build-out that includes roughly 68,000 Voter Management Devices bound for polling stations nationwide and materials the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) says are, except for ballot papers, already on hand and stored in screened local facilities. The committee has expressed satisfaction with preparations, while stressing that coordination remains essential to close out outstanding matters before voting day.
The position emerged from a fortnightly meeting convened by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa on Friday, at which reports and implementation plans from departments and sectors were reviewed. The IMC noted progress across government and called on all departments, stakeholders, role-players and communities to intensify collaboration to deliver free and fair elections.
Additional reference context is available at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/imc-satisfied-local-government-elections-preparations.
The competitive field is broad. By the close of the statutory nomination period at 5pm on Friday, 28 August 2026, 142,072 candidates had been nominated for 10,526 council seats across the country’s municipalities: 636 independents, 97,815 ward candidates and 38,679 proportional representation candidates. The nomination profile is dominated by candidates aged 36 to 55, who account for 58%, with the highest concentration, 16%, between 41 and 45. Women make up 38% of the field. On the approved list, the oldest candidate is 90 and the youngest 18.
Legal risk sits alongside the operational build-out. Eight unresolved matters are before the courts: five in the Electoral Court, two in the Constitutional Court and one in the Gauteng High Court, all with implications for the finalisation of the ballot paper in the affected areas. Even so, the Electoral Commission (IEC) is on course with printing the 78 million ballot papers that will be used in the elections.
Weather presents a separate risk with clear economic stakes. Because the election coincides with El Niño and the early part of South Africa’s summer rainfall season, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) tabled a seasonal outlook for the polls. It indicates the country is entering summer against the background of a developing El Niño event associated with an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures across significant parts of southern Africa. Current assessments suggest the 2026 summer season could present heightened risks relating to water availability, heat, agriculture, food security and public health. The principal concerns include below-normal seasonal rainfall in parts of the country, above-normal temperatures and an increased risk of heatwaves, pressure on water resources and municipal water systems, and potential impacts on agricultural production and food security.
For the election itself, the IMC noted that El Niño-related conditions could carry direct and indirect implications, from voters queuing to cast their ballots to broader logistical and operational arrangements. It directed that all relevant stakeholders remain vigilant, that preparations account for potential weather-related risks, and that government and sectors communicate proactively with communities should disruptions occur. A coordinated communication and preparedness approach, it said, will help anticipate and reduce the potential impacts of heat, rainfall variability, water shortages, agricultural stress, veld fires and other hazards during the election period and throughout the 2026/27 summer season.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) reported on mitigation preparations and will translate SAWS seasonal and short-range forecasts into practical disaster-risk actions for voting operations. Because disaster management is an intergovernmental responsibility, the NDMC continues to work with the Electoral Commission, government departments, municipalities, disaster-management structures, emergency services, the agricultural sector, security sector, health sector, water sector, civil-society organisations and communities. Its role is to convert early warnings into coordinated action before, during and after the election period, linking national risk information with provincial and municipal preparedness and community-level action. The seasonal outlook serves as an early warning signal, while shorter-range forecasts will sharpen the picture for specific areas as 4 November approaches; exact conditions on the day will become clearer closer to the polls.
On participation, the IEC is preparing for a 100% turnout on election day, and the IMC has renewed its call for the mobilisation of all registered voters to show up at voting stations. The committee emphasised closing the trust gap between government and communities through intensified countrywide mobilisation, public education and voter engagement, saying that building and sustaining public confidence in the electoral process, government institutions and the democratic system remains critical. Applications for special votes opened on 21 September and close on 12 October 2026 at 5pm; successful applicants may vote at home or a place of care, or in voting stations, from 2-3 November 2026.
By contrast with the weather uncertainty, the supply side is largely settled. The committee reported that, “Except [for] ballot papers, as at today, all election materials required to run elections are on hand. All local storage facilities are ready and have been screened by the security structures.” Meanwhile, 72 organisations have applied to serve as observers, and the IEC has commenced briefing those approved.
Security structures also reported in. The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) presented an updated state of readiness progress report and remains confident that the plans in place will ensure safe and secure elections, for both special voting and 4 November 2026. The Department of Home Affairs continues its plans to ensure citizens hold the documents needed to exercise their right to vote and will align its operating hours with those of the IEC.
The committee also recorded concerns beyond the ballot: South Africa faces challenges of gender-based violence and femicide and mass shootings, described as deeply concerning and regrettable. Government remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice and that communities are protected, and the IMC called on departments, stakeholders, role-players and communities to keep working together to support both public safety and the successful delivery of the elections.
Closing the meeting, Minister Hlabisa emphasised that the success of the elections rests on a collective effort involving government, electoral stakeholders, communities and citizens. With four weeks to go, the open question is whether the eight court matters clear in time for the ballot papers to be finalised without disruption to the printing schedule.