The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Masego Sheburi says the IEC has set aside a budget allocation of around R2.1 billion for the next financial year.
Sheburi added that discussions are ongoing with National Treasury to see whether additional funding could be made available from savings across the country.
The Commission announced that the next local elections are expected to take place between November 2, 2026, and January 31, 2027.
Speaking at a media briefing on Tuesday on preparations and key developments for the 2026 local government elections, Sheburi noted that the commission has already manufactured savings, which National Treasury has permitted to be carried over into the next financial year.
“We are in discussion with National Treasury to see whether, even with the other competing priorities in the country, they may be able to avail funds from savings in the country,” Sheburi said.
IEC’s Deputy Chief Electoral Officer of Outreach, Mosery Mawethu, commenting broadly on budget issues, said the commission currently has “a very reasonable engagement with Treasury which makes it possible that we could deal with priorities in our budget.”
He added that the continuous engagement allows the commission to manage its planning effectively.
“At this stage, we do not feel major constraints in us delivering a credible election for the country, with the budget available, we will do so,” Mawethu said.
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