Coalition talks set to begin as parties assess 2026 election results
With the ANC losing ground in some provinces, political parties are preparing for negotiations that could shape the leadership of councils across the country.
As the counting of votes in the 2026 Local Government Elections nears completion, coalition negotiations are expected to take centre stage, with several metros and dozens of municipalities likely to require coalition agreements to establish governing majorities.
Several political parties, including the DA, have confirmed that preliminary discussions have already begun. The DA is set to engage with the ANC and other parties on possible coalition arrangements and terms.
Political parties are expected to hold meetings this weekend to consider potential coalition partners and determine their negotiating positions.
The results point to a decline in support for the ANC across much of the country, with opposition parties outperforming it in three provinces. The DA has emerged ahead of the ANC in the Western Cape and Gauteng, while the MK Party has done so in KZN.
Approximately 15.9 million South Africans voted in the elections, out of 29.2 million registered voters, putting estimated voter turnout at 54.4%. Gauteng recorded the highest turnout. This represents an increase on the 45.86% turnout recorded during the 2021 Local Government Elections.
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