The 2021 election results will be announced on Thursday evening and for the fifth time in South Africa’s democratic history, the country’s municipal powers will be divvied up along the lines of proportional representation.
2021 election results: How to watch live in South Africa
On Monday, millions of eligible voters headed to the polls to participate in the local government elections and while vote counting is still in its final stages, the ruling party has seen the true extent of disgruntlement felt by many.
As things stand, the African National Congress (ANC) is on course to finish with a majority lead below 50% for the first time in municipal elections history.
So far, it seems more than likely that the ANC’s support will drop by at least 7.85 percentage points to 46.06% in the 2021 elections, compared to their 2016 campaign that garnered 53.91% under the controversial Jacob Zuma administration.
Still, many South Africans are not ready to usher in a new era and in the final stages of the 2021 election results, the ANC may end with more than 153 councils and 4 131 seats.
In a statement released by the Presidency, it was confirmed that the IEC will announce the final 2021 election results at the results operation centre in Tshwane, Gauteng, at 18:00 on Thursday.
The event will be broadcast live on every news channel with alternative live streaming made available on YouTube.
Cyril Ramaphosa to appear at IEC results centre
Fresh from a working trip in Eswatini, President Cyril Ramaphosa will be at the results centre this evening, when the IEC announces the final 2021 election results.
“The President will, in his capacity as President of the Republic, deliver brief remarks during the results announcement ceremony,” the presidency confirmed.