IEC urges South Africans to register for 2026 local government elections
The IEC has called on South Africans to participate in the national voter registration weekend on June 20 and 21 by registering, updating their information or confirming their status on the voters’ roll.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has called on eligible voters, particularly first-time voters, to register ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Speaking at the launch of the election campaign, IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya said local government elections represent the “coalface” of South Africa’s constitutional democracy, as municipalities are directly responsible for delivering essential services to communities.
He said municipalities play a critical role in translating constitutional commitments into everyday services, including water, sanitation, roads, electricity and local economic development.
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Moepya warned that voter apathy undermines accountability in local government and weakens democratic participation at community level.
He urged eligible citizens to take part in the national voter registration weekend on June 20 and 21 to register for the first time, update their details if they have moved, or confirm their registration status on the voters’ roll.
Moepya added that active participation in elections is essential to strengthening democracy and ensuring citizens exercise their constitutional right to vote.
