SACP vows vigorous campaign, rules out ANC deal in municipalities

The South African Communist Party (SACP) has declared its commitment to a vigorous campaign for the upcoming local government elections, refusing to partner with its alliance partner, the African National Congress (ANC) in areas where the ANC failed to submit candidate lists in time. The Electoral Court recently ruled in favor of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), invalidating 181 ANC candidate nominations for not meeting the August 28 deadline, a decision the ANC intends to challenge in the Constitutional Court.

This marks the first time since the formation of the tripartite alliance that the SACP will contest elections independently. SACP General Secretary Solly Mapaila emphasized that the party is not a dealmaker and will focus on winning votes based on the needs of the people, including access to water, affordable electricity, proper roads, building people's power, and economic revitalization.

Mapaila clarified that the SACP is determined to win votes independently, without relying on the ANC's support, as they aim to address the dire living conditions faced by South Africans. The party reaffirmed its commitment to the IEC's Code of Conduct during a recent meeting attended by political parties.