ANC candidate list submission issues indicate party disarray, analyst says
The African National Congress ANC failed to submit its complete candidate lists to the Independent Electoral Commission IEC by the August 28 deadline, a situation a political analyst describes as a sign of a party in crisis. The ANC attributed the incomplete submission to technical issues with the IEC's candidate-capture system, stating that a small number of entries are being finalized with the Commission. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu expressed confidence in the IEC and the electoral process. However, other political parties raised concerns that the IEC might grant the ANC an extension, despite the passed deadline. The IEC clarified that it would not extend the deadline for the ANC. Political analyst Andre Duvenhage stated that the ANC's failure to submit lists in some of its strongholds suggests the party is not ready for the elections and is experiencing internal conflicts, which he noted have become common during candidate list finalization. Duvenhage also pointed to the ANC's decision not to announce mayoral candidates earlier due to fears of defection and internal squabbles as another sign of disorganization. He added that the party is losing grassroots support and is attempting to regain trust through symbolic actions like renaming towns.