IN CONVERSATION WITH Pakes Dikgetsi COPE’s Acting National Chairperson
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The Congress of the People has submitted its candidates for the 2026 Local Government Elections, with the party confirming that it will contest the elections on 4 November 2026.
According to the IEC Candidate Nomination Progress Report dated 14 September 2026, COPE has submitted 156 proportional representation candidates and 1,359 ward candidates as final. The party will contest in seven metropolitan municipalities, 15 district municipalities and 28 local municipalities.
COPE says it is targeting areas where it believes it maintains an organisational presence and a connection with communities. Its campaign will be built around the message Clean Hands. Working Communities, with an emphasis on ethical leadership, accountability, constitutional governance and effective local government.
The party says Clean Hands represents its commitment to integrity, responsible management of public resources and incorruptible leadership, while “Working Communities” focuses on functional municipalities, reliable service delivery, infrastructure maintenance, local economic development and safer, more prosperous communities.
COPE is also positioning the political legacy associated with Mosiuoa Terror Lekota as part of its campaign identity, highlighting values such as truthfulness, discipline, courage, selflessness and principled leadership.
According to the IEC Candidate Nomination Progress Report dated 14 September 2026, COPE has submitted 156 proportional representation candidates and 1,359 ward candidates as final. The party will contest in seven metropolitan municipalities, 15 district municipalities and 28 local municipalities.
COPE says it is targeting areas where it believes it maintains an organisational presence and a connection with communities. Its campaign will be built around the message Clean Hands. Working Communities, with an emphasis on ethical leadership, accountability, constitutional governance and effective local government.
The party says Clean Hands represents its commitment to integrity, responsible management of public resources and incorruptible leadership, while “Working Communities” focuses on functional municipalities, reliable service delivery, infrastructure maintenance, local economic development and safer, more prosperous communities.
COPE is also positioning the political legacy associated with Mosiuoa Terror Lekota as part of its campaign identity, highlighting values such as truthfulness, discipline, courage, selflessness and principled leadership.
