Economic Freedom Fighters to contest selected wards for 2026 local government elections

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) says it will not campaign around mayoral candidates ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, opting instead for a ward-based electoral strategy.

Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday following the party’s voter registration launch and Central Command Team (CCT) meeting, EFF leader Julius Malema said the party would not centre its campaign on personalities.

Malema said all prospective leaders must first contest as ward councillors before being considered for higher office.

Service delivery and ideas must determine who we vote for, not personality contests and cheap gimmicks.

Under the new approach, the party will introduce a proportional representation (PR) “placeholder” system, allowing strong ward performers, including those who narrowly lose, to be elevated to PR positions based on electoral performance.

Malema said the system aims to curb factionalism and reward grassroots work.