KZN emerges as key coalition battleground

KwaZulu-Natal is emerging as a key coalition battleground in the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Electoral Commission results show that 10 municipalities in the province are currently hung, with no single party securing an outright majority.

This number could still increase as vote counting and results capturing continue.

Political analysts say coalition negotiations are now likely in the affected municipalities.

With 65% of the votes counted, the MK Party is in the lead with 34.62%, followed by the IFP with 22.87%, and the ANC in third place with 21.85%.

LGE 2026 | 65% of votes counted in KZN

MK Party

Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party says its 2024 national election scenario of leading but not governing will not repeat itself this time around.

Despite the party securing 37% in the 80 member seater KZN legislature, it failed to govern the province due to protracted negotiations.

With the party now polling more than 42 % of the vote in eThekwini in the 2026 Local Government Elections, questions remain about whether it will be able to secure coalition partners.