IEC rejects ANC claims of technical glitch over candidate submissions

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has dismissed claims by the ANC regarding technical glitches impacting their candidate submissions for the upcoming local government elections on November 4. The party had argued that the online system issues affected some of its candidate entries. The Commission affirmed that it neither permitted nor planned to permit any additional opportunities for parties to submit candidates after the nominations deadline of August 28.

This stance was reiterated despite the ANC's earlier assertion that the technical problems only impacted a small number of their entries. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu clarified that the party had successfully submitted the majority of its candidates prior to the August 28 deadline, and the remaining entries were being finalized with the Commission's assistance.

Both parties agreed that the matter was technical and administrative, being handled through the Commission's established processes. However, the IEC firmly stated that no party or independent candidate would be granted an additional chance to submit candidates beyond the official nomination deadline. Future discussions on the nomination process would be addressed by the National Political Liaison Committee.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to transparency and credibility in the electoral process and assured further updates would be provided through official channels.