ANC victorious in by-elections

THABAZIMBI VOTES: HUNG COUNCIL REMAINS

- Molefe Seeletsa

The ANC emerged victorious in by-elections held in Thabazimbi, Limpopo, but a hung municipality remains as no party received enough votes to rule.

The by-elections followed the dissolution of the Thabazimbi Local Municipality, leaving all council seats vacant.

Over 51,000 registered voters were eligible to participate, casting their ballots on Wednesday across 57 voting stations in the region.

The highly contested 24 seats drew 405 candidates from 21 political parties, along with five independents.

Yesterday, the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) in Limpopo announced the results, with 19,812 people having voted in the by-elections.

"This falls within the range of our normal by-election turnout of about 40%", Limpopo IEC electoral officer Nkaro Mateta said.

According to the IEC dashboard and portal, the ANC secured the majority of votes with 43.48%, translating to 10 council seats.

The DA ranked second, garnering 17.39% of the vote and earning four seats.

The EFF claimed three seats with 13.04%.