The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is conducting a nationwide workshop series for newly registered and non-represented political parties, following a significant increase in registrations since the 2023 general elections.
According to the Commission, 62 new political parties have been registered in the past year, bringing the total number of registered political parties in the country to 508. Of these, 295 are registered to contest at the national level, granting them the right to participate in national, provincial, and municipal polls. A further 404 parties are registered to contest at provincial, district, or metropolitan levels.
In response to this growth, the IEC is holding workshops to assist parties in meeting the legal and administrative requirements to contest the upcoming local government elections, scheduled between November 2026 and January 2027.
James Aphane, the IEC’s manager for electoral operations, elaborated on the Commission’s role and the evolving political landscape in an interview. He confirmed that workshops have already been held in seven of the nine provinces, with only the North West and Eastern Cape sessions remaining.
“The reason we are doing this is to make sure that people have the essential knowledge and they also are able to know the requirements so that they can effectively participate in this election,” Aphane stated.
Addressing the notable increase in party registrations, Aphane viewed it as a positive indicator. “Yes, I think it is indeed a growing democracy,” he said. “Well, people seem to have issues, you know, and then they want their voices heard… we as the IEC do welcome participation in politics of this country.”
Aphane also clarified the process for party amalgamations, referencing recent discussions between parties such as BOSA, the GOOD Party, and Rise Mzansi. He explained that while parties are free to collaborate, a formal merger requires the registration of a new party, which must be done expediently ahead of the election proclamation.
Regarding the administrative burdens for new parties, Aphane highlighted compliance with the Political Party Funding Act. He noted that while only parties represented in national and provincial legislatures are entitled to state funding, all registered parties must declare donations. Smaller parties unable to produce audited financial statements may submit an affidavit detailing their financial affairs.
With the ballot paper potentially growing more complex, Aphane addressed concerns about voter experience. He assured that the IEC’s outreach programme, manned by over 800 municipal outreach officers, would educate voters. He explained that voters will receive either two or three ballots depending on their municipality, comprising ward, proportional representation (PR), and, where applicable, district council ballots.
On the topic of independent candidates, now permitted following legislative changes, Aphane clarified they are not required to register like parties but must meet specific contestation requirements, such as proving support from registered voters within a ward.
“The law encourages everyone to participate. So we are not going to restrict anyone,” Aphane said, emphasizing the IEC’s mandate to ensure all potential contestants are adequately informed well ahead of the elections.
The workshops form part of the Commission’s proactive engagement to ensure administrative readiness and smooth electoral operations for the 2026/27 local polls.