Eight voting districts have not captured their results, with support for the ANC set to rise as results are released.

A total of 20 council seats have been called by the IEC, with 14 going to the ANC, and the DA with a confirmed six.

The ANC currently has a total of 24 564 votes and 33.35% of the tally.

The DA is still ahead with 24 623 votes, at 33.43%.

The EFF is currently at 14% of the tally, with just over 10 000 votes, and no outright victory on any ward poll.

The MHRF has surprisingly garnered around 11.7% support, while the FF+ is lagging behind with 5.7%.

Results for Ward 1 (Kwazamokuhle), Ward 2 (Kwazamokuhle), Ward 3 (rural Hendrina), Ward 17 (Newtown), Ward 18 (Thembisa, Phumula, Reabota), Ward 19 (Plein, Vuka), Ward 26 (Extension 5 and 6) and Ward 27 (Newtown and Tokologo), are still outstanding and will bolster the ANC’s support in the traditional strongholds.

Most opposition parties have confirmed their willingness to enter into coalition talks, with only the MHRF saying it’s open to negotiations with the ANC.

The voter turnout was just over 30 000 in Middelburg, where almost 109 000 voters are officially registered.

Voting stations throughout town have, however, experienced problems, with voters having registered, but turned away due to them not appearing on the IEC’s voters’ roll or the IEC’s MEC7 auxiliary roll.

Voters who could prove registration, either by SMS or other means, were allowed to vote.