IEC approves 2.6 million special votes as court battles cloud election countdown

Author: iol.co.zaPublished on: October 15, 2026Country: South Africa

Politics

IEC approves 2.6 million special votes as court battles cloud election countdown

South Africa’s Electoral Commission (IEC) has approved 2.6 million special-vote applications ahead of the November 4 local government elections, a 131% increase compared with the 2021 elections. Chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo said more than 66% of the 79 million required ballot papers had been printed, with production expected to finish on October 18. Court proceedings over the exclusion of ANC candidates in several municipalities could force the IEC to reprint ballots already produced, creating financial and logistical pressure. The commission has also recorded 676 complaints.

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