Centurion: The Electoral Commission is set to release a Government Gazette notice today, inviting political parties, independent candidates, and interested stakeholders to provide input on the proposed deposit amounts for the 2026/27 Local Government Elections.
According to South African Government News Agency, the law mandates that registered political parties and independent candidates intending to contest in the elections must pay deposits. This requirement serves to confirm their intention to participate and to establish clarity on the election contestants. The Commission stated that deposits are refundable to those obtaining a seat in the Proportional Representation election or securing at least 10% of valid votes in a ward election. Conversely, unsuccessful contestants forfeit their deposits, which are then directed to the National Revenue Fund.
The proposed deposit amounts under Section 14(1)(b) of the Act are R4,700 for metropolitan municipality elections, R2,800 for local municipalities with wards, and R1,800 for local municipalities without wards and district municipalities. The Commission also plans to adjust the deposit for independent ward candidates and party-nominated ward candidates not contesting via party list to R1,800, as per Item 11(1) of the Municipal Electoral Regulations.
Stakeholders are encouraged to email their comments to Mr. Kgosietsile Tshoke at [email protected] or deliver them to Election House, Riverside Office Park, 1303 Heuwel Avenue, Centurion, 0157. The deadline for submissions is Friday, 8 May 2026. The Commission stressed that no final decision on the deposit amounts has been made yet, as they intend to review the feedback and comments before reaching a conclusion.