> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.visita.co.za/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Elections & Political Parties

> Track elections, candidates, and political parties in your ward

# Elections & Political Parties

Stay informed about upcoming elections, your current councillor, and political party positions.

## 2026 Local Government Elections

South Africa's next local elections are scheduled for **November 2026**. Visita is preparing comprehensive ward-level coverage.

## What's Available

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Your Councillor" icon="user-tie">
    View current councillor name, party, and contact details
  </Card>

  <Card title="Political Parties" icon="users">
    Browse all registered parties with their policies and leadership
  </Card>

  <Card title="Ward History" icon="clock-rotate-left">
    See past election results and councillor transitions
  </Card>

  <Card title="Candidate Info" icon="id-card">
    (Coming soon) View candidates for your ward
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Viewing Party Information

Visit `visita.co.za/party` to browse political parties:

* Party logos and colors
* National and local leadership
* Seat counts (National Assembly, provincial, local)
* Policy positions and ideology

## Elections Tab

On each ward page, the **Elections** tab shows:

* Current councillor details
* Party representation in the municipality
* Upcoming election dates
* Historical election results

## Election News Coverage

Visita aggregates election news from trusted sources to keep you informed.

* **Ward News:** Specific updates affecting your local area.
* **National News:** Major developments in the South African political landscape.
* **AI Summary:** Long articles are summarized for quick reading.

## Voter Registration

Are you ready to vote? Check the **Voter Registration Banner** on the Elections tab to:

1. Verify your registration status with the IEC.
2. Find upcoming registration weekends.
3. See if you are registered in the correct ward.

<Info>
  Candidate data will be added as official IEC lists are published closer to election date.
</Info>

## Municipal Council Composition

View how your municipality's council is composed:

* Which party controls the council
* Coalition partners (if any)
* Council committee assignments