South Africa could face more than 100 hung councils: What happens next? - EWN

South Africa could face more than 100 hung councils following the local government elections, setting the stage for potentially weeks of coalition negotiations as political parties wait for the final results and allocation of seats.

Political researcher Tasneem Essop says coalition arrangements are likely to become the main focus once the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has completed the counting process and announced the results.

Speaking on 702, Essop said the number of seats allocated to each political party would be crucial in determining which coalition arrangements were possible.

"We're looking at over 100 hung councils, potentially," she said.

Coalitions had already been a major talking point ahead of election day, but the final results would determine how political parties approached negotiations.

"The percentage point matters… the number of seats that are allocated matters," Essop said.

She added that the allocation of seats could significantly change the calculations for political parties.