Cape Agulhas could be set for a new coalition government as the Democratic Alliance (DA) maintains its electoral dominance in the municipality but has fallen short of securing an outright majority in the 11-seat municipal council.

The DA won five of the municipality’s six wards as the latest provinsional results show that the DA secured 45,6% of the proportional representation (PR) vote. Therefore translating into five council seats.

Despite remaining the municipality’s biggest political party, the result means the DA will have to negotiate with at least one other party to secure the six seats needed for a council majority.

The results place Cape Agulhas among the municipalities where coalition negotiations will play a decisive role in determining the next administration.

DA retains dominance, but its support remains largely unchanged

The DA’s 45,6% share of the PR vote represents a marginal increase from 45,4% it received in the 2021 local government elections.

Its performance demonstrates that it has maintained a relatively stable support base in the municipality by winning five of the six wards.

However, its inability to secure an outright majority highlights the difference between winning the most votes and obtaining enough council representation to govern independently.

The DA will now need the support of at least one additional councillor to reach the six-seat threshold.

PA emerges as an influential political player

The Patriotic Alliance (PA) has emerged as a significant force in the municipality. It secured 18,1% of the PR vote and two council seats.

This places the party second behind the DA in terms of proportional representation support. It also gives the party a potentially influential position in the upcoming coalition negotiations.

PA’s two seats means it could provide the DA with a comfortable majority if the parties reach an agreement.

Meanwhile, the African National Congress (ANC) secured 13,8% of the PR vote and two council seats. Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) and Dienslewerings Party each obtained one seat.

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Coalition negotiations will determine who governs

With the DA holding five of the council’s 11 seats, several coalition arrangements are mathematically possible.

An agreement with either the PA or ANC would give the DA seven seats. Alternatively, support from the FF Plus or Dienslewerings Party would provide the minimum six seats required for a majority.

However, the PA’s two seats make it a particularly important potential coalition partner.

Although the DA remains the clear electoral leader, the final governing arrangement will depend on negotiations between the political parties and their willingness to work together.

The results demonstrate that securing the largest share of the vote does not necessarily guarantee an outright governing mandate.

ANC retains a foothold with one ward victory

The ANC secured two council seats, including one ward seat, after receiving 13,8% of the PR vote.

It won Ward 3 with 36,7% of the ward vote, while the DA claimed the remaining five wards.

ANC’s representation means that it remains part of the municipal political landscape. Although, it trails the DA and Pa in overall support.

The latest provisional figures also show that smaller parties, including the FF Plus and Dienslewerings Party, will have a role to play in determining the council’s political future.

According to the results tracker, 18 of the municipality’s voting districts and all six wards had been counted.

Cape Agulhas recorded approximately 58,4% voter turnout. 13 555 PR ballots were cast by 23 195 registered voters.

The figured remain provisional and should be confirmed against the IEC’s formally declared results and final council seat allocation.

DA’s stronghold in the Overstrand as voting continues

Early counting of the Overstrand votes project the DA in the lead with 56,11%. The party currently maintins one seat in council with only 45% of the votes counted so far.

The ANC trails right behind the DA garnering 13,35% of the votes. It secures one seat in council.

However, only a fraction of votes have been counted and the PA, Land Party, FF Plus and Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) trail behind.