In brief
In the November 8 local government elections, the ANC retained its position as South Africa’s largest party with 30.76% of the vote, despite a sharp decline of over 14 percentage points from the 2021 results, say the Electoral Commission. The result was announced by Xinhua on Nov. 8. The ANC still holds the most seats, but the fall reflects growing voter uncertainty.
In the South African local elections held on Nov. 8, 2026, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) won 30.76% of the vote, according to the Electoral Commission, according to Xinhua. The ANC remains the country’s largest party, but its share fell by more than 14 percentage points compared with the 2021 local elections.
The decline shows rising dissatisfaction with the ANC, even though the party still controls the majority of seats in local councils. The Electoral Commission announced the final results in a press release that day.
With 30.76 percent of the vote, the ANC stays ahead of its rivals in the municipal vote. The drop is the largest decline the party has seen in a local election in recent years. Previous elections in 2021 saw the ANC securing around 44 percent of the vote.
The result matters because local government wards manage services like water, sanitation, and community development. The ANC’s reduced support could influence its ability to win future mayoral elections in key cities.
Opposition parties made headlines by noting the shift in voter sentiment. Analysts say the ANC must address economic and infrastructure concerns to regain support in future elections. The Electoral Commission’s data will guide future campaign strategies.
As the country heads into new local governance terms, the result signals a narrative of change, even as the ANC retains a foothold in the nation’s political landscape.
