IEC prepares for 2026 polls, scraps e-voting plan

THE Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says it is ready to administer an election on the first Wednesday in November 2026, should that be the date chosen by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Velenkosi Hlabisa.

- HOPE NTANZI

As it currently stands, elections are expected to take place between November 2, 2026 and January 31, 2027, although a final date has not yet been set or announced.

IEC Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Masego Sheburi said consultations were ongoing.

“The Commission has commenced with the Minister. The Minister at the last meeting indicated that he was consulting with Cabinet. Planning scenarios have considered a number of things,” he said.

Sheburi explained that the planning scenario had considered several factors, including matric examinations, tertiary institution exams and weather patterns across the country.

He said the Commission had internally developed three possible scenarios but emphasised that the IEC does not determine the date of an election.

“Its role is to stand ready on the first day on which an election may be called,” he said.