KZN emerges as key coalition battleground
Political analysts say coalition negotiations are now likely in the affected municipalities.
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is poised to become a critical coalition battleground in the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections, according to recent electoral data. The Electoral Commission reports that 10 municipalities within the province are currently in a deadlock, with no single political party achieving a clear majority. This figure is expected to rise as vote counting and result compilation continue.
Political analysts predict that negotiations for coalition governments will be essential in these affected municipalities. As of now, 65% of the votes have been counted in KZN. The MK Party leads with 34.62% of the vote, ahead of the IFP with 22.87% and the ANC in third place with 21.85%.
The MK Party has a different narrative to its 2024 national election strategy. While it had forecast a lead without the ability to govern due to prolonged negotiations, the party is now polling over 42% of the vote in eThekwini, one of the municipalities affected by the current hung elections. This has raised questions about the party's capability to secure coalition partners in the 2026 Local Government Elections.
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