EXPLAINER | What happens if coalition fails after South Africa’s local government elections?

IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya announced the final results of the 2026 Local Government Elections at the National Results Operations Centre at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Sunday. The results paint a picture of South Africa’s changing political landscape, with the ANC leading nationally, followed by the DA and uMkhonto weSizwe Party. Meanwhile, 137 municipalities have been identified as hung councils, setting the stage for coalition negotiations.