The Western Cape has seen a significant jump in the number of candidates contesting in the local government elections.

There are some 5000 more registered candidates this time around which pushes the candidate figure to over 12 400. At least 85 of them are independent candidates with 41 vying for a ward in Cape Town. The candidates will vie for 844 seats.

The number of political parties has also shot up to 96 in the province compared to the 77 in the previous municipal elections. Over 50 parties are seeking a spot in Cape Town.

These high numbers may be viewed as good for competition and a thriving democracy but it makes the task of the voter even tougher.

Municipal elections are considered to be critical as it directly impacts on the delivery of the most basic of services such as water, electricity, and refuse removal.

The IEC’s Electoral Officer in the Western Cape Michael Hendrickse says voters can expect a lengthy ballot.

The longest ballot papers will be in ward 38 in Nyanga and ward 40 in Gugulethu. In each of these wards 39 candidates are contesting.

[Header image: Supplied]