THE GATHERING 2026: Number of local coalitions to rise steeply after 4 November
Political scientist Susan Booysen says the number of local government coalitions will continue to increase, but it’s unclear in which direction the alignments will move.
Political scientist Susan Booysen predicts a significant rise in the number of local government coalitions ahead of the 2026 elections. She believes the number of these coalitions could increase from 88 to 110, covering various levels including municipal, district, and metro governments. Booysen attributes this increase to the decline of the ANC and the DA and the growing support for minor or micro parties.
Although the ANC currently controls 105 out of 205 local councils, fragmentation within these main parties may lead to voters abstaining or supporting smaller parties. Booysen notes that while public opinion supports coalition governments at the local level, with 54% favoring and 28% opposing, the lack of a stabilizing law will result in unpredictable alliances during the upcoming elections.
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