Planact recognises and appreciates every observer who contributed their time and commitment to promoting free and fair elections.
For the 2026 Municipal Elections, 72 observers formed part of Planact’s observer mission, deployed across six municipalities in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and North West.
What does it take to be an election observer?
Being part of Planact’s observer mission involves three key steps:
- Appointment and registration: Being appointed and registered by Planact, an accredited observer organisation.
- IEC accreditation: Receiving official accreditation from the Electoral Commission.
- Impartial observation: Carrying out observer duties independently, neutrally and in accordance with the Electoral Code of Conduct.
Observing elections is also about protecting democracy!
Did you know? The 2026 Municipal Elections are the sixth elections of this kind in South Africa since the establishment of the Electoral Commission in 1997. The previous local government elections were held in 2000, 2006, 2011, 2016 and 2021.
A full report on Planact’s observations is currently being prepared.