PRETORIA, Gauteng — The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has officially welcomed the Constitutional Court judgment that sets aside the exclusion of 181 African National Congress (ANC) candidates from the upcoming municipal ballot papers. The landmark ruling ensures the candidates will be reinstated in six municipalities, prompting the electoral commission to begin immediate ballot reprinting preparations just three weeks before the elections.
IEC Commits to Immediate Ballot Reprinting
IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya expressed relief following the apex court’s decision, emphasizing that the electoral body holds no hard feelings toward the ANC and is satisfied that the judgment has provided much-needed clarity.
“Before now, we had an issue that was unresolved. It is now in the past, and we now need to move forward,” Moepya stated. He confirmed that the commission will include the affected candidates on the ballot, noting that while the IEC initially interpreted the law differently, the court’s ruling is now the guiding directive. “It is not a moment we should go and hide. It is a moment to rise and deliver an election that South Africans deserve.”
Financial Costs and Stance on Other Political Parties
The logistical mandate to reprint the ballots in the six affected municipalities comes with a financial burden. The IEC previously indicated to the Constitutional Court that the reprinting process is estimated to cost approximately R790,000.
With only three weeks remaining until the elections, the tight timeline has raised questions about other political parties. Over 2,000 candidates from 44 other parties were also excluded from the ballot for similar administrative reasons. However, Moepya maintained that the IEC will not speculate on their status.
“The court spoke about the ANC, and that is really what we understand and what we are going to do,” Moepya explained, adding that if other parties approach the court, the judiciary will handle those developments and guide the commission accordingly.
Regulatory Overhaul Ahead of Future Elections
At the heart of the legal challenge was the ANC’s argument that the IEC’s requirement for candidates to “press the button” to submit their nominations as final was not properly regulated.
Looking ahead to the next local government elections in 2031, the IEC acknowledged the need for regulatory adjustments. Moepya confirmed that the commission will not wait until the next general election cycle to make changes. “Whenever there has been a challenge in our preparation, when the election is done, we go and debrief,” he said. The IEC plans to review the court’s reasoned judgment and implement regulatory improvements immediately for upcoming by-elections to strengthen the administration of future elections.
ANC Reacts: Fikile Mbalula’s Emotional Address and Health Update
Following the judgment, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula addressed the media in a highly emotional state, visibly breaking down as he spoke about the crisis. Mbalula admitted that the situation had given him “sleepless nights” given his administrative responsibilities, and he acknowledged facing internal blame from some party members.
Addressing the political fallout, Mbalula indicated that the ANC is considering reviewing its relationship with the Democratic Alliance (DA). He argued that the DA’s intervention in the legal matter was an attempt to deprive the ANC electorate of its opportunity to vote for the party.
Following his media address, Mbalula appeared visibly unwell. He was seen without his blazer and tie, requiring the physical assistance of his protection detail to walk to his vehicle. An ANC spokesperson confirmed that party officials are currently checking on the Secretary General’s condition and determining whether he was taken to Luthuli House or a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Despite the internal turmoil and the Secretary General’s health concerns, the ANC as a whole is expected to breathe a sigh of relief, knowing their 181 candidates will now officially appear on the ballot.
