Public urged to comment on proposed municipal election deposit fees
Stakeholders are invited to submit feedback on proposed deposit fees, with authorities set to review input before finalising requirements for the upcoming municipal elections.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) will today publish a Government Gazette notice inviting political parties, independent candidates, and stakeholders to comment on proposed deposit amounts for the 2026/27 local government elections.
Registered political parties and independent candidates are required by law to pay a deposit to contest local elections. The deposit confirms a contestant’s intention to participate and creates certainty around who is contesting.
“Deposits are refundable to contestants who win a seat in a proportional representation election or who obtain at least 10% of the valid votes in a ward election. If a contestant does not meet these criteria, the deposit is forfeited and paid into the National Revenue Fund,” the IEC said.
Proposed deposit amounts under Section 14(1)(b) of the Municipal Electoral Act are:
- R4 700 for elections in metropolitan municipalities
- R2 800 for elections in local municipalities with wards
- R1 800 for elections in local municipalities without wards and in district municipalities
The IEC also intends to increase the deposit for independent ward candidates and ward candidates nominated by parties who are not contesting via a party list, to R1 800 as prescribed in Item 11(1) of the Municipal Electoral Regulations.
Comments can be submitted by email to Mr Kgosietsile Tshoke at deposits@elections.org.za, or delivered to Election House, Riverside Office Park, 1303 Heuwel Avenue, Centurion, 0157.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, 8 May 2026.
The Commission stressed that no final decision has been made. Feedback will be reviewed before a decision is finalised.
