The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) held a high-stakes media briefing today, providing a comprehensive "state of readiness" report as the nation begins the countdown to the 2026/27 Local Government Elections (LGE). Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo outlined the critical milestones that will define the electoral landscape over the next year, emphasizing that the integrity of local democracy hinges on early preparation and public vigilance against disinformation. A