Plumbline 24/7 Prayer Watch 2026

Background

According to the IEC’s certified candidate lists for Nelson Mandela Bay:

• 38 political parties are contesting the elections.
• 9 independent candidates are contesting as ward candidates only.
• Close to 480 candidates were submitted to the IEC.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Council has 120 seats: 60 ward seats and 60 proportional representation (PR) seats. This remains unchanged for the upcoming elections. Like other municipalities, Nelson Mandela Bay uses a mixed-member proportional system:

• 60 councillors are elected directly in wards (first-past-the-post).
• 60 PR seats are allocated from party lists so that the overall council composition reflects each party’s share of the vote.

Voters have two votes. The first is for a specific ward candidate. The second is for a political party. Parties submit closed ranked lists to the IEC, so voters cannot reorder or select individual candidates on the PR ballot. The certified candidate list for Nelson Mandela Bay is available here (PDF).

We Pray for Councillors

Integrity and Honesty

Lord, please bless every person who will serve as a municipal councillor with a heart filled with integrity and honesty. Prepare them now so that, when they take office, they will fulfil their responsibilities with good faith, transparency and unwavering commitment, preserving the municipality’s credibility. Guard them against corruption, conflicts of interest and any temptation to use their position for personal gain.

Scripture: “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.” (Proverbs 11:3) “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9)

Accountability and Responsiveness

Father, inspire those who will be elected as councillors to embody true accountability and responsiveness. May they consistently report back to their communities, listen carefully to residents’ needs, accept scrutiny with humility and swiftly address service-delivery challenges. Help them remain answerable to the people who elect them.

Scripture: “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” (Romans 14:12) “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…” (Luke 16:10)

Competence and Professionalism

Grant wisdom to those who will serve as councillors. Equip them even now with the knowledge, understanding and professional skills needed to fulfil their roles effectively. Bestow clarity in interpreting budgets, comprehending legislation, supervising administration and making sound decisions that foster development and improve service delivery.

Scripture: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5) “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Inclusivity and Collaborative Leadership

Lord Jesus, fill those who will serve as councillors with a spirit of inclusivity and collaborative leadership. Help them represent every resident fairly and without favouritism — including women, youth, the elderly, people with disabilities and the marginalised. Enable them to work across party lines, alongside officials and with communities for the common good.

Scripture: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28) “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

Commitment to the Public Interest

Heavenly Father, grant those who will serve as our councillors pure hearts that prioritise the public interest over personal, family or party gain. May they act selflessly as true servants of the people, always seeking the welfare of the municipality and its residents in every decision.

Scripture: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4) “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Matthew 20:26)

Background

After the elections, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) declares the results and the names of the 120 elected candidates for Nelson Mandela Bay. The newly elected council must hold its first (inaugural) meeting within 14 days. At this meeting the key office-bearers are elected.

Because the council in Nelson Mandela Bay is often hung (no single party holds 61 or more seats), the election of the Mayor, Speaker and other positions depends on coalition negotiations. Parties form voting blocs to secure these positions. All office-bearers must be sitting councillors. The negotiations during these 14 days are crucial for the future stability of the council.

Election Day and Counting Procedure

Focus: Free, fair and peaceful elections; accurate results; protection of the democratic process; a calm atmosphere.

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1) “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:33) “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings…” (Daniel 2:21)

Prayer points

• Thank God for the privilege of democratic elections and for the officials of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), voting officers, party agents and security forces involved in the process.
• Pray for peaceful voting stations and protection against intimidation, violence or disruptions, so that every eligible voter can cast their ballot freely.
• Ask the Lord to ensure accuracy, integrity and transparency in the counting and verification process, so that the declared results genuinely reflect the will of the people.
• Pray that the outcome, whatever it may be, is received with maturity and that no party or individual resorts to unrest or false accusations.
• Intercede for the newly elected councillors, asking God to prepare their hearts for the responsibilities that lie ahead.

The Immediate Post-Results Period and Coalition Negotiations

Focus: Wisdom, unity, humility, integrity and the common good during the intense bargaining window.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5) “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3) “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” (Proverbs 29:2)

Prayer points

• Pray that party leaders and negotiators will be filled with supernatural wisdom and restraint, prioritising the common good over self-interest and the pursuit of power.
• Ask God to break down barriers of distrust, bitterness and past grievances so that genuine cooperation can take place.
• Intercede for a spirit of humility — that larger parties will not dominate and that smaller parties will not hold the city hostage.
• Pray that any written coalition agreement will prioritise essential needs (water, electricity, sanitation, housing, financial recovery and support for the vulnerable) above positions and patronage.
• Ask the Lord to expose and restrain any corrupt or opportunistic motives, and to raise up leaders who fear Him more than they fear political loss.

First Meeting of the Newly Elected Council

Focus: Orderly, peaceful and Spirit-guided election of the Speaker and Executive Mayor; protection of the meeting; right choices.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority…” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” (Proverbs 21:1) “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant… For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” (Mark 10:43-45)

Prayer points

• Pray for the municipal manager or designated official who will convene and initially preside over the meeting — for clarity, courage and impartiality.
• Request that God cover the entire first council meeting with His peace, restraining any disruptions, walkouts, violence or procedural chaos.
• Intercede specifically for the election of the Speaker and the Executive Mayor, praying that councillors vote wisely and with a servant-hearted mindset rather than solely on factional interests.
• Pray that the person chosen as Executive Mayor will feel a genuine calling and anointing to serve the entire city, not only their political base.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to guide the appointment of Mayoral Committee members, ensuring that competence and integrity take precedence over loyalty and patronage.

Formation and Commencement of the New Government

Focus: Stable, righteous and effective governance; lasting unity; service delivery that restores dignity; protection from early collapse.

“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” (Proverbs 29:2) “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city… Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (Jeremiah 29:7) “I urge… that… we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.” (Psalm 127:1)

Prayer points

• Thank God for the formation of the new administration and commit the Executive Mayor, Deputy Mayor (if applicable), Mayoral Committee and the entire council into His hands.
• Pray for genuine unity that lasts beyond the initial months, asking that all partners honour their agreements and resolve disputes without causing the government to falter.
• Seek the Lord’s guidance for clear vision and measurable targets in reducing water losses, ensuring electricity reliability, improving sanitation, addressing housing needs and achieving financial recovery.
• Intercede for the professionalisation and protection of the municipal administration, so that qualified officials are appointed and shielded from political interference.
• Pray that residents — especially the poor and vulnerable — will soon see tangible improvements in services and that public trust begins to be restored.
• Ask God to establish lasting peace and stability, allowing the city to move from crisis mode into effective and constructive governance.