South Africa's political landscape expanded to 508 registered parties, according to the Electoral Commission, marking a new high as the nation prepares for municipal voting scheduled between March and June 2026. Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Masego Shiburi revealed the figures during a briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, noting that 62 organizations gained official status following the 2024 national elections. The commission estimates approximately 404 may field candidates next year based on available resources and strategic planning.
Voter registration activity showed momentum through September 2025, adding more than 305,000 new names to rolls that contain 27.6 million eligible citizens. An additional 60,752 people modified their existing records during the same period. Women represent 55 percent of registered voters, while those aged 18 to 29 account for 20 percent of the total. Shiburi encouraged greater participation through digital platforms that processed 12 percent of recent registrations.
The commission reported achieving 92 percent of operational targets during the 2024-25 financial year while maintaining its fifth consecutive clean audit. Among parties with parliamentary representation, 90 percent submitted required financial statements by the September 30 deadline, though Build One SA and the National Coloured Congress received formal notices for late compliance.
Voter registration activity showed momentum through September 2025, adding more than 305,000 new names to rolls that contain 27.6 million eligible citizens. An additional 60,752 people modified their existing records during the same period. Women represent 55 percent of registered voters, while those aged 18 to 29 account for 20 percent of the total. Shiburi encouraged greater participation through digital platforms that processed 12 percent of recent registrations.
The commission reported achieving 92 percent of operational targets during the 2024-25 financial year while maintaining its fifth consecutive clean audit. Among parties with parliamentary representation, 90 percent submitted required financial statements by the September 30 deadline, though Build One SA and the National Coloured Congress received formal notices for late compliance.
