ELECTIONS 2026 | EFF blocks coin toss after DA tie

The Electoral Commission (IEC) has suspended a planned coin toss in Buffalo City after the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) received exactly the same number of votes in the 2026 local government elections.

Both parties secured 1 714 votes in Ward 15, leaving election officials with a deadlock.

However, the EFF objected to the coin toss on Friday, 6 November, and demanded a recount.

EFF demands recount

According to a report, EFF representative Mziyanda Hlekiso urged the IEC to recount the ballots, including spoilt votes, before deciding the ward through a coin toss.

“Can you please stop this toss thing? And go and recount the ballots because this one is not going to help us,” Hlekiso said.

He argued that officials should only consider a coin toss after exhausting other options.

“The toss is the last thing,” he added.

The IEC subsequently suspended the process while it considered the recount request.

According to the election results, the DA and EFF each received 26.5% of the ward vote.

The ANC finished just 22 votes behind with 1 692 votes, while the UDM secured 868.

Ward 15 includes Nompumelelo and Abbotsford.

ANC loses outright majority in Buffalo City

Meanwhile, the ANC has lost its outright majority in Buffalo City after securing approximately 42% of the vote.

Although the party remains the largest in the Eastern Cape metro, it will need support from other parties to govern.

ANC Eastern Cape chairperson Oscar Mabuyane acknowledged the party’s losses and indicated that it was willing to work with other political parties.

The IEC has not confirmed a final outcome for the disputed ward.

A recount could still determine whether the DA or EFF secures the seat without resorting to a coin toss.