More than 85% of ballots have been counted across most of the Ehlanzeni District, as verification processes enter their final stages.

The latest results show the ANC leading in the City of Mbombela, Bushbuckridge, Nkomazi, and Thaba Chweu, although its support varies across the municipalities.

The DA and EFF are among the parties challenging the ANC, while the SACP has also secured notable support in Bushbuckridge.

Meanwhile, IEC spokesperson Thanduxolo Chambeni said the counting process in Mpumalanga was progressing well, with no incidents reported at the time.

“In Mpumalanga, we are on schedule to count all the votes and verify them. I can also confirm that we will be done by midnight at the latest,” he said.

Chambeni said the IEC is expected to officially announce the final election results on Sunday, November 8, when further details of the winning parties and council outcomes will be provided.

City of Mbombela race tightens

In the City of Mbombela, where 94% of the votes have been counted, the ANC is leading with 48.65%, securing 27 council seats from 163 940 votes. The DA is in second place with 14.29%, receiving 48 157 votes and two seats, while the EFF occupies third position with 12.04%, representing 40 579 votes and one seat.

Bushbuckridge Local Municipality shows strong majority

In the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, with 89% of the votes counted, the ANC has a commanding lead of 63.8%, translating to 160 716 votes and 24 council seats.

The SACP is in second place with 10.75%, receiving 27 074 votes, but has not secured any council seats at this stage.

The EFF follows in third place with 8.66%, representing 21 824 votes, also without a council seat.

Nkomazi Local Municipality

In the Nkomazi Local Municipality, where 94% of the votes have been counted, the ANC has secured 54.44%, translating to 109 326 votes and 26 council seats. The EFF is in second place with 26.61%, receiving 53 444 votes and one seat, while the DA is third with 6.27%, securing 12 600 votes and one seat.

Thaba Chweu Local Municipality

Meanwhile, the Thaba Chweu Local Municipality has completed its vote-counting process, with 100% of the votes counted. However, the ANC failed to secure an outright majority, finishing with 41.05%, representing 22 505 votes and 12 council seats. The DA follows with 19.05%, receiving 10 691 votes and five seats, while the EFF is third with 14.77%, securing 8 096 votes and four seats.

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