The African National Congress (ANC) has retained control of Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality after securing an outright majority of 51.78% of the valid votes in the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The party received 53 246 votes, translating to 26 council seats and placing it firmly ahead of its political rivals.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) emerged as the second-largest party with 15.81% of the vote, receiving 16 262 votes and securing eight council seats.
The newly established Social Democratic Party (SDP) came third with 8.11%, receiving 8 336 votes and securing four seats.
The South African Communist Party (SACP) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) each secured three seats. The SACP received 6.69% of the valid votes, while the EFF obtained 6.13%.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) followed with 4.77%, receiving two council seats.
Other parties that secured representation in the municipal council include the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), with 1.57% and one seat; ActionSA, with 1.48% and one seat; and the African Independent Congress (AIC), with 0.89% and one seat.
The results show that nine political parties have secured representation in the municipality’s council, reflecting the range of political support among voters.
Although the ANC secured an outright majority, the MKP and SDP also made notable gains, emerging as the second- and third-largest parties respectively.
The outcome sets the stage for the new municipal council, which will be responsible for overseeing service delivery and governance in Chief Albert Luthuli Local Municipality.
