The Democratic Alliance (DA) has retained five of its seats while the Patriotic Alliance (PA) won a seat in the by-elections held on Wednesday, 23 October.
This is in contrast to the results of the by-elections held earlier in October where the African National Congress (ANC) snatched a municipal seat previously held by the DA in the !Kheis Municipality in Northern Cape.
DA RETAINS SEATS IN BY-ELECTIONS
The Electoral Commission of South Africa said in ward 84 in the City of Tshwane, Gauteng, the party retained the seat it won in the 2021 local government elections, with 62.82% of the total votes cast, compared to 65.50% during the 2021 elections. Voter turnout was 27.43%.
In ward 7 in the Msukaligwa Municipality in Mpumalanga, the Blue Party retained the seat it won in the 2021 local government elections with 51,95% of the total votes cast, compared to 40,90% during the 2021 elections. Voter turnout was 19.77%.
In ward 24 in the Emalahleni Municipality in Mpumalanga, the party also retained the seat it won in the 2021 municipal elections, with 88,52% of the total votes cast, compared to 60,25% during the 2021 elections. Voter turnout was 18.74%.
HOW DID THE PARTY PERFORM IN THE WESTERN CAPE?
The Western Cape is one of the DA’s strongholds.
In ward 8 in the City of Cape Town, the party retained the seat it won in the 2021 local government elections, with 85.44% of the total votes cast, compared to 83,82% during the 2021 elections. Voter turnout was 16.85%
In ward 8 in the Stellenbosch Municipality, also in the Western Cape, the party retained the seat it won in the 2021 local government elections, with 98.61% of the total votes cast, compared to 85.13% during the 2021 elections. Voter turnout was 4.25%.
In ward 20 in the George Municipality, also in the Western Cape, the PAwon a seat previously won by the GOOD Party in the 2021 local government elections, with 51.86% of the total votes cast, compared to 26.99% during the 2021 elections. Voter turnout was 60.02%.
Following the decisive victories, the DA said residents are endorsing its track record of good governance.
“A huge thank you to every single voter who put their trust in us. We’re excited to keep pushing forward for a brighter future,” it said.
Is this a sign of things to come for the DA come the 2026 municipal elections?
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