EFF Vote Share Falls to 6.26% Nationally

Julius Malema blames the ANC's coalition with the DA for legitimising white supremacist forces as the party slips to fourth place.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in City Hall

EFF Vote Share Falls to 6.26% Nationally

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The Economic Freedom Fighters' national vote share fell from 10.31% in 2021 to 6.26% in the 2026 local government elections, dropping the party from third to fourth place nationally. The party nonetheless gained eight ward seats, rising from 19 to 27.

Why it matters

The result reshapes the opposition landscape in South Africa ahead of the 2029 national elections, where the EFF expects to remain a national political player. Malema's attribution of the decline to low township turnout and the ANC-DA arrangement points to ongoing debate over coalition politics.

The EFF's national vote share dropped from 10.31% in 2021 to 6.26% in 2026, a loss of 612,326 votes, while its ward representation rose from 19 to 27 seats. Final proportional representation allocations, which will determine the party's full council seat count, have not yet been confirmed.

The players

Julius Malema

Leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, a left-wing opposition party in South Africa known for its radical economic platform and confrontational style.

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)

A South African left-wing opposition party founded in 2013 by Julius Malema following his expulsion from the African National Congress.

African National Congress (ANC)

South Africa's governing party since the end of apartheid, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Cyril Ramaphosa

President of South Africa and leader of the African National Congress, whom Malema called on to step aside.

Electoral Commission of South Africa

The independent body responsible for managing and certifying elections in South Africa, including the allocation of council seats.

The details

Malema addressed supporters at the Results Operations Centre and demanded that President Cyril Ramaphosa step aside to enable a progressive alliance. The EFF won 13 of 26 wards in Marikana and one ward from the ANC, while in Rustenburg its vote share rose from 23.67% to 32.95%, securing four of seven wards.

2012: 34 mineworkers were killed in Marikana.
2021: The EFF's national vote share stood at 10.31%.
2024: The ANC formed a government of national unity with the DA.
2026 local government elections: The EFF's national vote share fell to 6.26%.
2029: The next national elections, which the EFF expects to contest as a national player.

Political Context

Malema's accusation that the ANC's 2024 coalition with the DA legitimised white supremacist forces reflects the EFF's sustained opposition to the arrangement, which placed the DA in the Home Affairs, Basic Education and Agriculture ministries. The party's falling vote share suggests that this positioning has not translated into electoral gains in the 2026 local government polls.

For South African voters, the EFF's reduced national share means fewer seats in national and provincial deliberations in the coming term, though its gains in local wards mean residents in places like Marikana and Rustenburg may see changed representation on council. The outcome affects which parties hold local decision-making power on services such as roads, water and refuse removal.

The takeaway

The EFF's results show that gains in specific wards can coexist with a falling national share, so voters and observers should look at ward-level and national results separately. Final seat allocations will provide the clearest picture of the party's standing.

What happens next

The Electoral Commission of South Africa must finalise proportional representation seat allocations, which will determine the EFF's full council seat count.