# The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa will allocate Political Election Broadcast slots ahead of the 4 November local government elections today, a move to ensure equitable access to the airwaves. The allocation follows receipt of the final candidate list from the Electoral Commission of South Africa and will be done under the Municipal Elections Broadcasting Regulations. PEBs are broadcast free of charge, with parties responsible for their own material. A total of 546 parties and 142-thousand-and-72 candidates will contest 10-thousands-526 seats.
ICASA opens airwaves as 546 parties contest 2026 local government elections