Just over 61 000 candidates will appear on the ballot papers across the country during the 2016 Municipal Elections on 3 August.
According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the number of contesting candidates has risen by 12% since 2011.
The IEC has registered a record number of 200 parties, with an increase of approximately 65% more parties since 2011.
A total of 3 996 candidates will contest for their municipalities in the Free State this year compared to 3 284 candidates in 2011.
Of the 61 014 candidates contesting around the country, 60% of them are male and 40% are female.
Source: www.elections.org.za
Compiled by: Moeketsi Mogotsi/Courant News
