IEC declares local elections free and fair

IEC chairperson Glen Mashinini announced the final election results in Pretoria on Thursday night after tallying the votes cast on Monday. 

"The commission, this pre-eminent independent electoral institution, is proud that it is still flying high the banner of electoral integrity, excellence as well as free and fair elections." 

He said what they've managed to accomplish despite the challenges and glitches is an achievement. 

"Our thriving, vibrant and maturing constitutional democracy has indeed withstood the test thrown at it during these elections." 

Mashinini said out of the 12.3 million votes cast this week, the ANC still holds the most municipal wards. 

In the eThekwini metro though, there'll be a coalition government after the party lost its majority. 

"In terms of the 213 municipalities contested, the African National Congress achieved a majority in 161 municipalities. 

The Democratic Alliance achieved a majority in 13 municipalities and the Inkatha Freedom Party achieved a majority in 10 municipalities. In 66 municipalities, no party achieved a majority, which are known as hung councils."