{
  "id": 18008081,
  "title": "LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026: The kingmakers and the chaos awaiting Nelson Mandela Bay’s next coalition",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/local-elections-2026-the-kingmakers-and-the-chaos-awaiting-nelson",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T19:28:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Maverick",
    "slug": "daily-maverick",
    "url": "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-11-03-the-kingmakers-and-the-chaos-awaiting-nelson-mandela-bays-next-coalition/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Heading into the local elections of 2026 in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa, it is clear that no single political party is expected to secure a majority. This has led to speculation over whether smaller and newer political formations could play a major role in shaping the future government of the municipality. Dr Ntsikelelo Breakfast, a political commentator, believes that the race for power will likely end with a coalition negotiation process, where even the smallest parties could have significant influence.\n\nAccording to the 2021 local government elections, the African National Congress (ANC) and Democratic Alliance (DA) were the only parties to win ward seats in Nelson Mandela Bay. However, numerous smaller and newer parties, such as the Mayibuye Civic Movement, People's Power, Democratic Movement, Organic Humanity Movement, Eighteen Twelve Movement, and Service Delivery Party, have been actively mobilizing support across the region.\n\nWith 636,660 registered voters casting their ballots to elect ward councillors and determine the proportional representation seats for the 38 contesting political parties, the upcoming election promises to be a significant event. The ballot features a mix of established parties and lesser-known ones, and preliminary polling suggests that the DA may receive the most votes, followed by the ANC and the EFF.\n\nDespite the predictions, Dr Breakfast remains uncertain about who might emerge victorious, stating that it is difficult to predict coalition formations based on vote allocation. He emphasizes that the Constitution requires a 14-day period for the formation of a government after the election results have been officially declared, making the formation process quite short.\n\nDr Breakfast points to a similar situation in KwaZulu-Natal's 2024 elections, where the uMkhonto Wesizwe party received around 45% of the votes but remained in the opposition benches. He adds that the participation of several smaller parties in coalition talks would be crucial, as they could be the \"kingmakers\" and demand seats on the mayoral committee to lead specific portfolios.\n\nThe first day of special votes in Nelson Mandela Bay went smoothly, with 32,955 special vote visits recorded. The Electoral Commission of South Africa's (IEC) preliminary draft report indicated that every eligible voter was able to exercise their democratic right in a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful environment. IEC's Dumisani Mbebe urged all registered voters to participate in the democratic process, emphasizing the importance of each vote.\n\nAs the electorate heads to the voting stations, it is essential to remember the rules and guidelines surrounding the election process to ensure a smooth and secure voting experience.",
  "summary": "With no party expected to secure an outright majority, smaller and newer political formations could have a decisive say in who governs Nelson Mandela Bay. Whoever takes the reins will inherit a municipality grappling with deep administrative and financial problems.",
  "key_points": [
    "No single party expected to secure majority in Nelson Mandela Bay's 2026 local elections.",
    "14-day period required for government formation after election results."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}