- The DA has moved from third to second place by popular vote in North West
- The DA increased representation from90 to 109 local councillors, with a further 11 district council seats
- Significant gains in JB Marks, Matlosana, Mahikeng and other municipalities
The Democratic Alliance welcomes the results of the 2026 Local Government Elections in North West, which saw the party move from third to second place by popular vote, overtaking the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
Our provincial support increased from 11.39% in 2021 to 14.30% in 2026, with approximately 255,400 votes recorded across the ward and proportional representation ballots.
The DA’s local council representation increased from 90 to 109 councillors. Together with 11 district councillors, this brings our total representation across North West to 120 councillors.
The growth is reflected across all four districts, with particularly notable results in several municipalities:
- JB Marks: Support increased by 6.42 percentage points, with representation growing from 17 to 21 councillors.
- Matlosana: Support increased by approximately 6 percentage points, with councillors increasing from 16 to 20.
- Mahikeng: Support increased by 5 percentage points, with representation growing from 5 to 7 councillors.
- Moses Kotane: Representation doubled from 2 to 4 councillors.
- Moretele: Representation increased from 3 to 5 councillors.
- Greater Taung: Support increased from 2.32% to 7.15%, with representation growing from 1 to 3 councillors.
- Ditsobotla: The DA gained approximately 3,500 additional votes, secured 5 councillors and moved into official opposition status.
The DA also recorded additional votes in Rustenburg and Madibeng, while increasing our representation in Ramotshere Moiloa, Ratlou and Maquassi Hills.
These results reflect an expanding electoral footprint across towns, townships, villages and rural communities, including areas where our support has historically been limited.
We extend our sincere appreciation to every voter who placed their trust in the DA, and to our candidates, public representatives, activists, volunteers and party structures who worked tirelessly throughout this campaign.
We also acknowledge the voters who supported other political parties. Our responsibility as elected representatives are to serve all residents, regardless of how they voted.
While we welcome these electoral gains, we recognise that increased representation brings greater responsibility. Our councillors must now focus on holding municipalities accountable, improving basic services, strengthening financial oversight and creating conditions that support investment and job creation.
The election campaign has ended, but the responsibility to serve our communities continues.
We enter this new term committed to constructive, accountable local government and to earning the trust placed in us through the work we do in our councils and communities.