LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026 OP-ED: The Coalitions Bill has stalled, and voters are going into elections blind

Local elections in South Africa are set to take place on 4 November 2026, yet the regulatory framework governing coalition formations among political parties remains incomplete. The Coalitions Bill, aimed at introducing structure and stability to coalition governments at the local level, has stalled in Parliament despite having received cabinet approval in July. With the bill still under review and likely to face further delays, voters may find themselves navigating the election season with limited legal guidance on how coalitions should function. The bill was introduced in response to growing concerns over the instability and inefficiency of coalition governments at the local level. As the African National Congress (ANC) continues to lose ground nationally and provincially, the need for more structured collaboration between parties becomes increasingly urgent. However, the current state of the Coalitions Bill suggests that this goal remains unattainable within the timeframe necessary to influence the upcoming elections. According to the proposed legislation, political parties would be required to meet a minimum 1% vote threshold to qualify for a council seat, ensuring that smaller parties have a legitimate role while preventing fragmentation. Additionally, the bill mandates that coalition agreements be formalised and published, promoting transparency in political alliances. It also restricts no-confidence motions to occur once every two years, requiring them to be based on “serious grounds,” thereby reducing the frequency of destabilising internal disputes. Independent mediation bodies would be established to resolve deadlocks, and the deadline for forming coalition governments would be extended from 14 to 30 days, allowing for more thorough negotiations. Despite these provisions, the bill's progress has been hampered by procedural delays and the complexity of reconciling multiple versions of the legislation. The Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Portfolio Committee has reviewed the bill and incorporated numerous stakeholder suggestions into revised drafts. However, the bill’s status as a Section 76 measure means it must undergo scrutiny by both the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces, a process that is inherently time-consuming and susceptible to further delays. Public hearings and consultations are also required before the bill can proceed, and these have been postponed due to the recent parliamentary recess. The timing of the local government elections adds another layer of urgency, as the bill’s potential impact on coalition dynamics during the campaign season is critical. Nevertheless, the fusion of private member proposals with the executive-led initiative has led to protracted discussions, complicating efforts to reach a consensus. Political analysts suggest that the delay reflects broader challenges in aligning the interests of different parties. While larger parties may view coalition regulations as a constraint on their ability to consolidate power, smaller parties often advocate for clearer rules to protect their representation. This divergence highlights the difficulty of achieving agreement on a comprehensive reform that balances the competing priorities of all stakeholders. With the bill currently in limbo, the responsibility of shaping coalition practices falls largely on the electorate. Voters are encouraged to engage actively with local issues, demand accountability from political leaders, and support initiatives that promote transparent and stable governance. As the lead-up to the 2026 elections progresses, the absence of clear legal guidelines may force voters to navigate a complex political landscape with greater vigilance and awareness.