MIDRAND, GAUTENG — The Electoral Commission (IEC) has recorded at least 780,000 votes cast on the first day of special voting for the 2026 local government elections, despite experiencing logistical delays in parts of the Cape Town Metro.
Briefing the media in Midrand, north of Johannesburg, IEC CEO Sy Mamabolo provided an update on the electoral body’s proceedings. Following the standard 5:00 p.m. closing time, the commission recorded over 700,000 ballots from a total of 2.6 million voters approved for special voting. Mamabolo noted that a conservative estimate places the total number of administered special votes at 780,000.
Special voting is conducted across two categories: home visits and casting a ballot at a designated voting station. The IEC expressed gratitude for the cooperation of voters, candidates, and political parties throughout the day. The electoral body remains confident that voter interest and participation numbers will continue to grow.
Acknowledging that the first of the two special voting days was not without hiccups, the commission addressed operational challenges in the Cape Town Metro. Voting stations in the area grappled with the late delivery and distribution of ballot papers, causing them to fail to open at the expected 8:00 a.m. start time.
Mamabolo confirmed that all affected voting stations eventually opened and remained operational throughout the day. To assist as many voters as possible at these specific locations, the IEC granted extra voting time, extending their operating hours to close at 6:00 p.m. instead of the normal 5:00 p.m.
Overall, the commission is satisfied with how the day’s proceedings unfolded. Mamabolo stated that the events of the first day create a solid basis for improved performance on the second day of special votes and on the main election day.
Special voting is scheduled to continue on Tuesday, leading up to the main voting day on Wednesday.
