IEC records 43% increase in candidates for 2026 local elections
This year the IEC received more than 142 000 nominations.
The Electoral Commission (IEC) reports a significant surge in candidates for the upcoming 2026 local government elections in South Africa. The commission disclosed this information to the media during a briefing at its headquarters in Centurion. During the 2021 elections, 99,000 candidates participated in the municipal polls, but this year, the IEC received over 142,000 nominations, marking a 43% increase in the number of candidates.
The data reveals that men are the predominant group among the nominees, accounting for 56% of all nominations, whereas women comprise 44%. The Proportional Representative (PR) lists, too, are dominated by men, with 56% of the nominations being male, compared to 44% women. IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya provided further insights into the figures, stating that the 142,072 nominations received for the 2026 elections represent a 43% increase compared to the 2021 elections.
The profile of the nominated candidates is predominantly middle-aged, with 58% falling within the age range of 36 to 55 years. The age group of 41-45 years accounts for the highest concentration, representing 16% of the nominated candidates. Gender analysis indicates that men constitute nearly two-thirds of all nominations, while women make up 38% of the total. In the ward elections component, 65% of the candidates are male, and women constitute 35% of the contestants.
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