Eastern Cape set for ANC battle as rivals eye political stronghold
Political parties including the UDM, MK, EFF and SACP are expected to make significant inroads in the Eastern Cape as ANC divisions deepen ahead of the local government elections.
The Eastern Cape region is set to become the site of intense political rivalry between the ANC and several competing parties. Analysts predict that divisions within the ANC will give opportunities to other parties like the United Democratic Movement (UDM), the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK), the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and the South African Communist Party (SACP).
These parties, which share many policies with the ANC, are seen as alternatives due to their roots in the ANC and commitment to progressive solutions. However, the ANC faces significant challenges in the Eastern Cape, where it lost the Nelson Mandela Bay in the 2016 local elections. UDM, in particular, has gained momentum in the eastern and central regions of the province, especially in Buffalo City.
The UDM plans to field high-profile candidates in the upcoming local government elections on November 4th. Meanwhile, MK and EFF are also targeting the ANC's weaknesses in the region. These parties recognize that the ANC is unlikely to perform well in certain geographic areas, making them ideal alternatives. The rural areas of the Eastern Cape are crucial in this political contest, as the ANC has struggled in those areas since 2016.
Analysts warn that some parties might fall into the trap of ethnic politics, but the UDM and Afrika Mayibuye party have avoided this trap by not campaigning on ethnic lines.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
