Mbalula faces pressure as ANC candidate-list crisis widens

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has faced growing pressure as the party's candidate-list crisis deepens ahead of the November 4 local government elections. Despite the ANC claiming to have submitted candidate lists before the deadline, technical issues on the Electoral Commission of South Africa's (IEC) system prevented the final submission.

IEC officials have indicated that no system activity occurred around the times the ANC claimed its officials were logged out. Mbalula has rejected calls for his resignation, stating that any decision on his position lies with the ANC. He defended his handling of the process and questioned why some party members were already demanding his removal before the investigation was complete.

The DA has opposed the ANC's Electoral Court application to include the candidates, arguing that the party failed to formally submit its candidates by the deadline. The crisis has extended beyond six municipalities, with technical errors identified in KwaZulu-Natal's eThekwini and Ray Nkonyeni municipalities. The ANC has acknowledged the errors and requested corrections. Mbalula has defended his role in the process and expressed concern that the crisis may reflect negatively on ANC leadership during the upcoming elections.

Political analysts suggest that Mbalula carries significant political accountability for the crisis, as he oversees the ANC's organizational and administrative operations. The issue is particularly serious because the candidate lists were finalized and submitted close to the IEC deadline, despite the ANC's procedures allowing for earlier completion.

While Mbalula's position may not appear immediately untenable while the ANC pursues the Electoral Court case, the outcome of the elections could intensify political pressure on him.

Should the court not uphold the ANC's case and the missing candidates are unable to participate in the election, Mbalula's political credibility and future standing within the party could be severely affected. The crisis may also become a defining issue in the factional contest ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially damaging the ANC's credibility.