DA 11 points clear in Nelson Mandela Bay as ANC drops. What's next for the metro
The DA leads Nelson Mandela Bay's early count with 39.16% to the ANC's 28.08%, after the two were almost tied in 2021. A party needs 61 of 120 seats to govern alone, so another coalition is likely.
The DA is about 11 points ahead of the ANC in Nelson Mandela Bay's early count. At 11:00 on Thursday, 5 November, the DA had 60 427 votes (39.16%) and the ANC 43 324 (28.08%), a gap of 17 103 votes, according to IEC figures reported by the PE Express.
That is a big shift from 2021, when the two parties were almost tied in the metro, which covers Gqeberha, Kariega and Despatch.
How do the numbers compare with 2021?
| Party | 2021 result | 2026 so far (11:00, 5 Nov) |
|---|---|---|
| DA | 40.0% | 39.16% |
| ANC | 39.6% | 28.08% |
| EFF | 6.4% | 5.03% |
| PA | Not in top five | 4.34% |
| SACP | Not in top five | 3.67% |
Sources: 2026 figures from PE Express; 2021 figures from IEC results compiled by The Ledger SA.
The DA's share is close to its 2021 level. The change is the ANC's drop, with votes spread across smaller parties such as the PA and the SACP.
By about 12:20, 87 of the metro's 268 voting districts were in and only 1 of 60 wards was complete, according to IEC data compiled by ESP. Turnout in the counted districts was about 51%, up from 45.8% in 2021 (ESP, The Ledger SA).
Can the DA govern alone?
Not on these numbers. The council has 120 seats, so a party needs 61 to govern alone (IEC figures via Rateweb). In 2021, the ANC and DA each won 48 seats, and the metro has had several mayors since as coalitions formed and collapsed, IOL reported. It is currently run by an ANC-led coalition under mayor Babalwa Lobishe (IOL).
A party on about 39% would need coalition partners, so expect more negotiations once seats are allocated.
When will the result be final?
The IEC will officially announce the 2026 local election results on Sunday, 8 November (PE Express). Councils without a majority then have two weeks to elect a mayor.
How can you check your ward?
Use the IEC's official results dashboard: choose Eastern Cape, then Nelson Mandela Bay, then your ward.
FAQ
Who is leading in Nelson Mandela Bay?
The DA, with 39.16% at 11:00 on 5 November, ahead of the ANC on 28.08%. Counting was still under way.
How many seats are needed to govern Nelson Mandela Bay?
61 of the council's 120 seats.
When will the final result be announced?
The IEC will officially announce results on Sunday, 8 November.