ANC to Appeal Electoral Court Judgment Over Candidate Submission Dispute
The African National Congress (ANC) has officially announced its intention to appeal a recent Electoral Court judgment regarding a high-profile dispute over its candidate list submissions.
In a formal statement released on 16 September 2026, the party confirmed that it will exercise its legal rights to challenge the court’s decision, which centers on the submission of candidate information in several affected municipalities.
The core of the dispute rests on technical timelines.
The ANC maintains that its candidate information was successfully uploaded and captured into the Electoral Commission’s (IEC) electronic portal prior to the official closing deadline.
The party emphasized that its legal recourse is not an attempt to secure “preferential treatment” or alter established electoral rules, but rather a necessary measure to clarify the legal status of their system entries.
“Our legal representatives will engage the court on the legal questions arising from the judgment,” the statement noted, signaling that the party is preparing for an intricate appellate battle.
As tension mounts ahead of the 2026 Local Government Elections, the ANC leadership has issued a strict directive to its ranks.
The party has called on all members, leaders, and supporters to maintain discipline, remain calm, and completely refrain from making public comments that could potentially prejudice or compromise the ongoing legal proceedings.
Despite the legal hurdle, the ruling party reaffirmed its absolute commitment to the upcoming municipal elections, stating that its immediate focus remains firmly on community engagement and campaigning on its policy record.
