PRETORIA — South Africa’s Electoral Commission (IEC) is moving into the next phase of preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections after the conclusion of the final nationwide voter registration weekend.

More than 20,000 voting stations were opened across the country, allowing eligible citizens to register or update their voter details ahead of the municipal elections. The IEC is expected to brief the media on the outcome of the registration drive.

The commission has warned that the voters’ roll will close at midnight on the day the election date is officially proclaimed. After that deadline, new registrations and changes to voter information will no longer be accepted.

The IEC said the online registration platform will remain available until the election date is proclaimed, giving eligible citizens who have not yet registered a final opportunity to ensure their details are correct.

The commission is also expected to publish a detailed election timetable once the date is proclaimed, covering key deadlines including candidate lists, voting-station information, and special-vote applications.

The latest development marks a crucial stage in South Africa’s preparations for the municipal elections and puts voter registration, electoral readiness, and political campaigning firmly in the national spotlight.