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IEC Rules Out E‑Voting for 2026–27 Municipal Elections, Ramps Up Preparations

Following nationwide consultations, the commission will take a phased, pilot‑driven e‑voting policy to Parliament.

Overview

  • The IEC confirmed electronic voting will not be used in the next municipal elections, with any future adoption dependent on a legislative framework.
  • Consultations closed on 30 September after more than 200 written submissions and 20-plus stakeholder engagements, with feedback favoring hybrid paper‑digital pilots, strong voter education and infrastructure investment.
  • Between January and September 2025, 305,206 new voters registered and 60,752 updated their details, with 76.8% of new registrations captured via Voter Management Devices and 12% online.
  • Key next steps include the Municipal Demarcation Board handing over new ward boundaries in December and a draft amendment bill being presented to the Home Affairs committee on 18 November.
  • The IEC reported achieving 92% of its 2024/25 targets and five clean audits, noted 90% compliance among represented parties, issued directions to Build One SA and the National Coloured Congress, and recorded 508 registered parties.