UDM takes candidate-list fight to court as Buffalo City ward candidates remain off IEC list

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) is taking the party's candidate-list dispute to court in Buffalo City, where candidates remain absent from the Electoral Commission of South Africa's (IEC) certified list. Ngabayomzi Kwankwa, the UDM deputy president and Buffalo City mayoral candidate, revealed that the party will pursue every lawful avenue to resolve the issue.

Kwankwa emphasized that only mayoral candidates would appear on the proportional representation (PR) lists, as he believed this decision would prevent competition and keep the focus on the party's broader political objectives. Despite the UDM's attempts to resolve the matter, the candidate-list challenge persists, prompting the party to explore legal action.

Kwankwa met with Buffalo City regional leadership to discuss the crisis and their campaign plans moving forward. The UDM maintains that the candidate-list problems are not limited to Buffalo City, and other party regions are also affected. Kwankwa, as the party's Buffalo City mayoral candidate, remains committed to campaigning alongside the party's candidates, volunteers, and supporters.

The UDM is open to partnerships and other lawful avenues to ensure candidates have a chance to serve in council. The party remains resolute in its goal of securing representation to participate in governing Buffalo City following the November 4 elections.