What happens if a coalition collapses after the 2026 local elections
With 137 councils lacking an outright majority, an explainer shows that a failed coalition does not automatically mean new elections or a halt to municipal services.
South Africa’s 2026 local government elections have left 137 municipalities with hung councils, meaning no single party holds an outright majority. According to IOL, parties are now negotiating coalitions, and questions are being asked about what happens if those deals fall apart.
The short answer is that a broken coalition does not by itself trigger a new election, and the municipality does not simply stop working.
How a coalition can fall apart
A coalition usually breaks down when one or more partners pull their support from the governing agreement. That can leave the mayor or the ruling group without enough backing in council.
Opposition parties can then table a no-confidence motion aimed at the mayor. If it passes, the mayor can be removed and councillors can choose a replacement, with no need for voters to return to the polls.
The remaining parties may also negotiate a new coalition. Another option is to govern as a minority, leaning on support from other councillors to pass key decisions. IOL noted that continued disagreement could leave a municipality struggling to approve budgets, carry out policies and deliver basic services.
When the province can step in
Section 139 of the Constitution allows a provincial government to intervene when a municipality fails to meet its legal or constitutional duties. In serious cases, the provincial executive can dissolve the council and appoint an administrator to run municipal functions.
If a council is dissolved lawfully, new municipal elections normally have to take place within 90 days. IOL stressed that a coalition collapse alone does not automatically justify intervention or dissolution.
Government urges stability
Velenkosini Hlabisa, the minister responsible for cooperative governance and traditional affairs, has asked parties to put stable government and service delivery first. He said: “Differences among coalition partners must not become obstacles to the work of municipalities.”
He also told parties that finishing as the largest group is not the same as holding a majority, and that those without more than half the seats must work with others to reach that threshold.
Lessons from 2021
IOL pointed to the period after the 2021 local elections, when Johannesburg, Tshwane and Nelson Mandela Bay saw leadership shifts as coalition deals broke down and mayors faced no-confidence challenges. Johannesburg in particular showed how hard it is to govern through fragile alliances.
Such instability can slow decisions, disrupt long-term planning and create uncertainty about services.
What this means for residents
- A coalition collapse does not automatically mean you will be asked to vote again.
- A mayor can be replaced by councillors through a council vote.
- Prolonged infighting can delay budgets and affect services such as water, electricity and refuse collection.
- Provincial intervention is possible, but only in serious circumstances.
The final results, announced by IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya in Midrand on Sunday, showed the ANC leading nationally, followed by the DA and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party.
This story is based on reporting by IOL.
