As South Africa gears up for the upcoming municipal elections, the Electoral Commission (IEC) reminds all eligible voters to register where they ordinarily reside and to vote at that location once the election date is announced.
The IEC has announced a voter registration weekend for 20 to 21 June 2026, aimed at making it easier for voters to register close to home and to broaden electoral participation.
Once voter registration concludes, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is expected to proclaim the election date. Eligible voters will then have until midnight on that day to register to vote.
An early announcement of the election date is vital. It allows voters to plan where they will be on voting day, which is particularly important for students or individuals living away from their ordinary residence. Local government elections require voters to cast their ballots at the station where they are registered, ensuring they vote for ward councilors representing their own communities.
Currently, South Africa has 508 registered political parties, with 20 new parties registered between October 2025 and February 2026. Of these, 299 are registered nationally, while the remaining 209 are registered at provincial, district, or metropolitan levels. Parties are urged to update their contact details to ensure the Commission can communicate effectively.
The rise of digital platforms and artificial intelligence has led to an increase in fraudulent activity and the spread of misinformation. The IEC warns the public about fake websites and false recruitment notices impersonating the Commission.
• The IEC does not use domains such as examtapzme.github.io.
• Personal information (ID numbers, phone numbers, addresses) should not be shared on suspicious websites.
• The only official online voter registration portals are RegisterToVote.org.za and www.elections.org.za
• All legitimate IEC vacancies are published exclusively on www.elections.org.za, and the Commission never requests payment during recruitment.
The IEC’s self-service voter registration portal is available 24/7. Eligible voters are urged to register and ensure their details are up to date on the voters’ roll.
Public warned about fake sites ahead of voter registration weekend
