The African National Congress (ANC) and the newly-merged Democratic Alliance (DA) and Independent Democrats (ID) were campaigning ahead of Wednesday's by-elections in impoverished Southern Cape towns, the SABC reported.
It was also the first time that the leaders of two political parties, Helen Zille and Patricia de Lille, were campaigning together in an election.
Vacancies in ward 12 in Dysselsdorp and ward five in Bridgeton became available after two ID councillors resigned in protest at the merger between the DA and ID. Both joined the ANC.
Both contested wards were traditional ID strongholds and the "newly-weds" were upbeat about their chances to retain them.
"I can assure you that the ANC will not get this ward," ID leader Patricia de Lille told the broadcaster on Tuesday.
DA leader Helen Zille said: "I am always cautious because the voters have the power. We come here, we put issues on the table and they decide. I am hoping that tomorrow they will decide for a future with the DA."
ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe was conducting a door-to-door campaign and was confident of the ANC winning the by-elections.
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