Electoral Court dismisses ANC case over councillor candidate submissions

The African National Congress (ANC) has suffered a setback after their application concerning the candidates listed for elections was dismissed by the Electoral Court in Bloemfontein, South Africa's Free State province. The dispute arose after the ANC alleged technical issues with the Electronic Commission (IEC) for not submitting its list of councillor candidates within the stipulated deadline, which was August 28.

However, the IEC has denied these claims. The ANC has indicated that they intend to appeal the decision. The matter is set to be further deliberated by Justice Lebogang Modiba, who will likely release the court's reasoning in the coming days. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu clarified that the issue is not about preferential treatment for the ANC or requesting the Electoral Commission to amend the rules in favor of the party.

Instead, it revolves around the legal standing of the candidate information that the ANC claimed was entered into the IEC's electronic system before the deadline. Following the judgment, the ANC will pursue the appropriate appeal process. Bhengu emphasized that their legal team will examine the court's decision, and the party requests its members, leaders, and supporters to maintain composure and refrain from any public commentary that might influence or disrupt the ongoing legal proceedings.