IEC records 43% increase in candidates for 2026 local elections

There has been a sharp increase in the number of South Africans who have stepped forward to represent their communities in the upcoming local government elections .

This was revealed by the Electoral Commission (IEC) which briefed the media earlier on Wednesday afternoon at its headquarters in Centurion on the outcomes of the candidate nomination process .

During the 2021 local government elections, 99 000 candidates contested the municipal polls whilst this year the commission received more than 142 000 nominations.

The data further shows that men account for most nominations, also dominatimg the PR (Proportional Representative) lists with 56% compared to 44% women on the same list.

IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya gives a breakdown of the figures.

“142 072 nominations received for the 2026 elections represent an increase of approximately 43% compared with the 2021 elections.

The profile of nominated candidates is dominated by individuals aged between 36 and 55 years, which represents 58%.

The highest concentration, found in the 41–45-year age group, accounts for 16% of nominated candidates.

Gender analysis show that men account for nearly two-thirds of all nominations.

Women’s representation is about 38% overall.

Men also dominated the PR lists with 56% compared to 44% women on the same list.

In the ward elections component, 65% are male while women make up 35% of the contestants.” VIDEO | IEC briefing on on the outcomes of the candidate nomination process: