Ramaphosa Urges Political Parties To Respect 2026 Election Results And Prioritise Service Delivery

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged political parties to respect the outcome of the 2026 Local Government Elections and put aside their differences to improve service delivery across South Africa.

Speaking at the declaration of the final results on Sunday, 8 November, Ramaphosa said voters had made their choices and expected elected representatives to address their concerns.

“Let us move forward with humility, with determination and with a renewed commitment to the people of our country. The people have spoken. Their verdict must be respected. Their concerns must be heard. And their expectations must now be met.

“Let us work together to make local government work for every South African.”

The elections took place on Wednesday, 4 November, with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) announcing the results at its National Results Operations Centre in Midrand.

2026 Local Government Elections Produce 137 Hung Councils

The final results showed that 137 of South Africa's 213 municipal councils had no party securing more than half the seats. This is more than double the 66 hung councils recorded in the 2021 elections and significantly higher than the 27 recorded in 2016.

The outcome means political parties will have to negotiate coalition agreements or other arrangements to elect mayors and speakers and pass municipal budgets in the affected councils.

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Ramaphosa said hung councils should not be seen as a weakness of democracy, but rather as an expression of voters' choices. He warned parties against allowing political disagreements to undermine their responsibilities to residents.

“People did not cast their votes so that their representatives could spend the next five years fighting amongst themselves. They voted because they expected their lives to improve.

“This is what these elections were all about. They expect functional councils, capable administrators, and responsible leadership. They expect those whom they have elected to rise above their differences and work together,” Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa Highlights Municipal Service Delivery Challenges

The President acknowledged that the elections took place amid difficult economic conditions, youth unemployment and concerns about the quality of municipal services.

He described increased voter choice and political competition as positive signs of South Africa's democracy.

"To have our elections declared free and fair is an incredible achievement that all of us should truly be proud of," Ramaphosa said.

"We should applaud ourselves as a country."

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He also pointed to the revised White Paper on Local Government, which proposes changes to the way municipalities operate and are managed. These include strengthening municipal finances, prioritising infrastructure maintenance and improving the efficiency and reliability of service delivery.

IEC Orders Revote At Douglas Voting Station

Meanwhile, the IEC ordered a revote at the Douglas Voting Station in the Northern Cape after party supporters allegedly destroyed ballot papers before counting could take place.

The commission had also been processing objections relating to alleged irregularities and interference with election activities.

Ramaphosa thanked the IEC, its commissioners and staff for administering the elections, highlighting the importance of its independence, integrity and credibility in maintaining public confidence.

He also acknowledged the contributions of security services, government institutions, political parties, candidates, observers, volunteers and the media, as well as thousands of election officials who worked under challenging conditions.

The President thanked voters who travelled long distances and waited in queues to exercise their democratic rights, with particular recognition given to elderly South Africans.

“Democracy is a work in progress. It is the system that we have chosen together.

“We must work together to make sure it works for everyone. We thank all those who made this election free and fair,” Ramaphosa said.

He urged elected representatives to honour the trust placed in them by voters.

“The millions who turned out to vote have placed their trust in our democracy. Let us prove ourselves worthy of that trust. By putting communities first. By being responsive to their needs. By serving with humility. By never taking their confidence for granted.”