DA emerges as the BIG winner from Elections 2026 – VIDEO
· The South African
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has emerged as one of the biggest winners of South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections, increasing its national support and strengthening its position in several key municipalities.
However, despite its improved performance, the DA has not overtaken the African National Congress (ANC) as the country’s biggest political party.
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WATCH | Five takeaways from South Africa’s 2026 Local Government Elections
With 99.8% of voting districts counted by early Sunday, 8 November, the ANC remained in first place nationally, while the DA occupied second position.
The results point to a changing political landscape, with smaller parties also gaining ground and coalition governments likely to play an increasingly important role in local government.
How did the DA perform?
The latest figures show that the DA secured 24.63% of the national vote, compared with 21.66% in the 2021 Local Government Elections.
This represents an increase of 2.97 percentage points.
The ANC, meanwhile, received 30.78% of the vote, a substantial decline from its 45.59% showing in 2021.
The figures underline the DA’s progress, but also show that the ANC remains ahead nationally.
2026 election results
Party2026 vote2021 voteANC30.78%45.59%DA24.63%21.66%MK Party9.74%Did not contestEFF6.22%10.31%ActionSA5.68%2.33%IFP4.69%5.64%Figures are provisional, based on the IEC count at 09:10 on Sunday, 8 November.
Coalition governments could decide the outcome
One of the biggest stories emerging from the elections is the number of municipalities where no political party has secured an outright majority.
According to the latest available figures:
- 209 of South Africa’s 213 municipal councils had been declared.
- 74 councils had a party with a majority.
- 135 councils were hung.
This means political parties will have to negotiate with one another to establish governing coalitions in many municipalities.
For the DA, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Its improved national support could translate into greater influence in coalition negotiations, but securing the necessary council majorities will be crucial.
When will the final results be announced?
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) is scheduled to officially announce the 2026 Local Government Elections results on Sunday, 8 November, from 18:00.
Until then, the figures remain subject to outstanding counting, verification and declaration processes.
Verdict: A good election for the DA?
The DA has reason to be pleased with its performance.
It increased its national support, while the ANC suffered a significant decline compared with the previous local government elections.
However, the DA remains South Africa’s second-largest political party nationally.
The real test will now be whether it can turn its improved electoral performance into greater control of municipalities and a stronger position in coalition governments.