By Zuko Komisa

- The Electoral Commission has launched an independent external audit of its Election Results System.
- ICT experts from the ACDP, ANC, DA, and MKP are reviewing the system from 5 to 12 October 2026.
- The process aims to reinforce transparency, security, and public confidence ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The Electoral Commission has launched an independent external audit of its Election Results System, reinforcing its ongoing assurance measures to guarantee transparency, credibility, and public confidence ahead of the upcoming elections.
Traditionally, the Commission opens this critical infrastructure which is responsible for capturing, collating, and assigning seats to contestants for political parties to thoroughly inspect its security, functionality, and reliability.
What this means
According to the IEC, This audit means that key political stakeholders are given direct, under-the-hood access to examine the technology that calculates the election outcome.
By allowing independent technical experts to scrutinise the code, data integrity, and security controls before votes are cast, the Electoral Commission aims to eliminate suspicions of rigging or system manipulation, thereby building collective trust among political parties and the public in the final electoral outcome.
Running from 5 to 12 October 2026, the current review involves designated Information and Communications Technology (ICT) experts from four major political parties: the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP), the African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA), and the uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP).
Parties had until 30 September 2026 to register their interest and submit expert nominations.
The Commission reiterated its steadfast commitment to administering the 2026 Local Government Elections in a lawful, inclusive, transparent, and credible manner.
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