15.9 million voters reshape local politics as coalitions loom
More than 15.9 million South Africans participated in the 2026 local government elections, marking a recovery in voter turnout after the record low of 2021. But the increase may reflect growing frustration with municipal failures, particularly among middle-class voters, rather than a broad revival in political participation. Preliminary results point to a changing political landscape, with the African National Congress losing ground, the Democratic Alliance consolidating its position in several metropolitan municipalities and ActionSA making gains in Gauteng townships.
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