IEC sets 5pm deadline for election objections as more than 800 complaints reviewed

Political parties and independent candidates have until 5pm on Friday, November 6, to file formal objections over alleged irregularities in South Africa’s 2026 local government elections. The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has received more than 800 complaints from contestants, with about 106 still outstanding on Thursday evening, Deputy CEO Masego Sheburi said. Most complaints allege that party agents were prevented from observing voting and counting. The IEC said complaints are separate from formal objections under the law and that final results will be announced only after objections that could affect the outcome have been considered and resolved.