LGE 2026: IFP says important gains made despite tracking below 2021 vote share
With about 74% of the national vote counted, the IFP is sitting at around 4.6% of the national proportional representation vote, compared to the 5.64% it secured in 2021.
Anelitha Fandese
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has named Mkhuleko Hlengwa as its mayoral candidate in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality on 31 August 2026. Picture: Thabiso Goba/EWN
Thabiso Goba/EWN
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) said it has made important gains in the local government elections, despite currently tracking below its 2021 national vote share.
The party is also facing growing competition from the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party in its traditional stronghold in parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
The IFP may be tracking slightly below its 2021 national vote share, but the party said it has made gains in these local government elections.
With about 74% of the national vote counted, the IFP is sitting at around 4.6% of the national proportional representation vote, compared to the 5.64% it secured in 2021.
“The IFP has held, in what has been a mixed bag of results, the IFP has held its own. It has registered growth, it has picked up seats outside its traditional base, even in areas where we are generally strong, we have seen growth.
“We believe that we have held a steady election, we have maintained stability and we are on course to continue to govern critical crucial areas,” said IFP national spokesperson Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
While the party has not secured an outright majority in any of the major metros so far but is leading or competing in a number of municipal councils, particularly in its traditional strongholds.
In KwaZulu-Natal, the IFP is also facing increased pressure from the MK Party, which has made significant inroads in the province.
Despite these challenges, the IFP maintains that its performance reflects gains for the party as it looks to consolidate its position in councils and play a role in the coalition talks that will follow.