The Electoral Commission (IEC) reminds all political parties and independent candidates intending to contest the 2026 Local Government Elections that the deadline for the submission and completion of candidate nominations is Friday, 28 August 2026 at 17h00.
The Commission urges all political parties and candidates who intend to participate in the elections to ensure that their candidate nomination details and all required information are completed and submitted well ahead of the deadline. This will enable a seamless transition to post-nomination processes.
The Commission advises that the stipulated date and times are based on the Election timetable which cannot be changed nor be negotiated. After 17h00 on Friday, no changes will be permitted. This means the Online Candidate Nomination System (OCNS), will not be available for submissions beyond the cutoff time.
READ | IEC investigates by-elections fraud in Nkomazi
Similarly, no political party or independent candidate will be allowed to enter the IEC Offices after 17h00 with the intention to submit candidate lists. The Commission encourages prospective independent candidates and political parties to visit the IEC website at www.elections.org.za or contact the Contact Centre at info@elections.org.za or on 0800 11 8000 for more
information.
