ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu says technical problems with the IEC’s candidate-capture system affected a small number of its entries, while the party expressed confidence in the electoral process.
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
The African National Congress (ANC) says technical problems with the Electoral Commission’s candidate-capture system affected a small number of its candidate entries for the November 4 local government elections.
ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the party had successfully lodged the “overwhelming majority” of its candidates before the nomination deadline on August 28.
Political parties and independent candidates were required to submit their nominations between 7am and 5 pm on August 28.
The IEC had previously indicated that the nomination process would close at 5 pm on Friday, with no late submissions or changes accepted after the deadline.
The ANC had been working to finalise its candidate lists ahead of the deadline, with the party expected to field candidates for ward and proportional representation seats.
However, Bhengu said the IEC’s candidate-capture system experienced technical issues on the day of lodgement, affecting a number of contesting parties.
“As a result, a small number of the Movement's entries are being finalised together with the Commission,” Bhengu said.
She said the matter was technical and administrative and was being handled through the Commission’s established processes.
Bhengu said the ANC had full confidence in the IEC and the integrity of the electoral process.
“The African National Congress has full confidence in the Electoral Commission and in the integrity of the electoral process,” she said.
The ANC commended the Commission for its “constructive engagement” with all affected parties.
“We are confident they will be resolved,” Bhengu said.
The party said it would not conduct the matter in the media while the Commission continued with its work.
Bhengu said the ANC would provide a further update once the process had been concluded.
The ANC said its focus remained on its campaign and volunteers in every ward ahead of the elections.
“Our focus, and the focus of our volunteers in every ward, remains where it belongs: on the people, and on building better communities together, on 4 November,” Bhengu said.
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