The EFF has submitted 4 485 councillor candidates to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to contest every ward across the country in the upcoming 2026 Local Government Elections.
The party said it had met Friday’s 5pm deadline for political parties and independent candidates to submit their councillor nominations, describing the successful capturing of thousands of candidates as evidence of its organisational strength and national footprint.
Of the 4 485 candidates submitted across all nine provinces, 1398 are between the ages of 18 and 35, while 1 731 are women.
The EFF said the nominations meant it was ready to contest every ward in the country when South Africans head to the polls on 4 November.
“Political parties and independent candidates had until 5pm on Friday, 28 August 2026, to submit their councillor nominations to contest the upcoming Local Government Elections,” the party said.
“The EFF can confirm that it has met this critical electoral deadline and has submitted its candidates to contest all wards across the country.”
The party said its ability to capture thousands of candidates with the IEC reflected the work of its structures across the country.
The EFF extended its appreciation to its provincial, regional and branch structures, as well as its members and volunteers, saying they had worked to ensure that the party met the nomination deadline.
“The successful submission of thousands of councillor nominations is a reflection of the discipline, commitment and organisational strength of the EFF,” the party said.
“It is the result of long hours of dedicated work by our structures on the ground, who remained focused and committed to ensuring that the EFF is prepared to contest every ward.”
The submission of candidates marks a significant step in the build-up to the November elections, with political parties now intensifying their campaigns ahead of the vote.
The EFF said it would use the campaign period to take its message of economic freedom, job creation, improved public services, land reform and accountable local government to communities across the country.
“The EFF will now intensify its campaign and take its message of economic freedom, decent jobs, quality public services, land reform, accountable local government and the restoration of dignity to the people to every ward and municipality,” the party said.
The party’s announcement comes as political organisations prepare for what is expected to be a fiercely contested local government election, with parties seeking to strengthen their representation in municipalities and metropolitan councils across South Africa.