South Africa: Parties begin coalition talks in 120 municipal councils

Following the 4 November 2026 municipal elections, South African parties must negotiate alliances to govern in 120 councils without an outright majority. The ANC, in power since 1994, leads with about 30.8% of the vote, its worst electoral result to date, down from 45.6% in 2021. The Democratic Alliance wins nearly 24.6%, while former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe party receives about 9.8%.