Simon Majadibodu|Published2 hours agoCould election rigging claims resurface in 2026? Analysts weigh in

Political analysts have warned that allegations of vote rigging similar to those raised by the MK Party after the 2024 general election could emerge again during South Africa’s 2026 local government elections. President Cyril Ramaphosa has defended the credibility of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and criticised the MK Party’s claims that the 2024 general election was rigged, as analysts warn similar disputes could resurface during the 2026 local government elections. Ramaphosa expressed disappointment over the party’s continued claims that the 2024 general election was rigged.

Ramaphosa made the remarks on Wednesday while responding to Parliament’s debate on the Presidency’s budget vote. “Five months from now, South Africans will participate in local government elections where they will signal with their votes how they want their municipalities to be run,” he said. “The elections will be overseen by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), one of our finest and most trusted institutions, constitutionally mandated to safeguard democracy.” Ramaphosa criticised the MK Party for continuing to allege electoral fraud.