IEC earns fifth consecutive clean audit as 2026 municipal elections prep gather pace

By Thebe Mabanga

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has secured its fifth consecutive clean audit as preparations for next year’s local government elections gathers pace.

At a press briefing held in its head office on Tuesday, the commission also celebrated women as champions of democracy, affirmed the integrity of last year’s national and provincial election elections as it continues to investigate electronic voting.

Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo affirmed that the term of municipal council runs for five years and elections must be held within three months of its conclusion.

The current crop was elected at the beginning of November 2021.

“This means that the current term will end on 2 November 2026. Therefore, the general elections of municipal councils fall due between 2 November 2026 and the end of January 2027.”  said Mamabolo.

Mamabolo said the prerogative to set the election date lies with Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs