Local SA elections: 620 parties to vote for – CONFIRMED

The number of political parties registered with the IEC has grown significantly ahead of South Africa's local government elections.

Jul 29, 2026 - 16:32

Local SA elections: 620 parties to vote for – CONFIRMED

The number of political parties registered with the Electoral Commission (IEC) has grown significantly ahead of South Africa’s local government elections, increasing from 508 to 620.

The figures were revealed by IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo during a media briefing in Pretoria on preparations for the final voter registration weekend, which takes place on Saturday, 1 August, and Sunday, 2 August.

Surge in applications

Mamabolo said the increase reflected a surge in applications from political organisations seeking to contest the upcoming elections.

“The register of political parties currently comprises 620 registered political parties. So, there’s been a hive of activity relating to the registration of new political parties, hence the growth to 620 political parties,” he said.

The final voter registration weekend will see nearly 24 000 voting stations across the country open from 08:00 to 17:00 on both days, giving eligible South Africans one last opportunity to register to vote or update their registration details ahead of the elections.

Competitive

According to the IEC, more than 28 million South Africans are currently registered on the national voters’ roll.

The commission has urged eligible citizens, particularly first-time voters and those who have changed their residential address, to make use of the weekend to ensure their registration details are up to date.

The voter registration drive forms part of the IEC’s final preparations before the country heads to the polls on Wednesday, 4 November, with the growing number of registered political parties expected to make the local government elections one of the most competitive in recent years.