White River:Mpumalanga Special voting for the 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE) has commenced, with an expected 292,775 eligible voters in Mpumalanga casting their ballots on Monday and Tuesday.
According to South African Government News Agency, Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu has encouraged all eligible voters to exercise their constitutional right to vote as the electoral process begins. He emphasized the importance of voting as a means for citizens to choose their preferred parties and representatives for their municipalities.
The Electoral Commission (IEC) has launched its Results Operations Centre in White River, expressing readiness for the 2026 elections. Mpumalanga accounts for 2,170,139 of the 29.2 million registered voters nationwide, representing 7.42 percent of the national voters’ roll. The province features 23,000 voting stations, with over 136,000 candidates contesting the elections.
The IEC has assured that all systems and materials necessary for credible elections are in place, guaranteeing voters a free and fair electoral process. Premier Ndlovu has urged citizens to use this opportunity to amplify their voices.
Safety measures have also been prioritized, with the South African Police Service (SAPS) launching the Provincial Safer Festive Season Operation in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. This initiative aims to enhance safety in identified crime hot spots during the election period. Law enforcement agencies have confirmed their deployment to ensure peaceful elections.
Voting stations will operate from 7 am to 9 pm on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, which has been declared a public holiday to facilitate voter participation. Due to potential high temperatures, the Premier has advised voters to take precautions against heat-related illnesses, including staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged sun exposure.
In these elections, voters must vote at their designated voting stations. The Electoral Commission advises voters to verify their voting station details prior to Election Day. This can be done by sending an ID number via WhatsApp to 0600 88 0000 or SMS to 32810 at R1 per SMS. Voters will receive their voting station's name and roll sequence number, which will expedite the voting process on Election Day.
