Political parties have criticized the African National Congress (ANC) for allegedly using a technical glitch as an excuse to delay the submission of councillor candidate lists, according to a report from Sunday World. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has denied the claims, stating that all submissions must be made by the deadline.

The ANC has been accused of attempting to manipulate the process to favor its own candidates, with some parties warning that the IEC should not be used to grant special treatment. The IEC has also closed its door to late submissions, rejecting any attempts to extend the deadline.

The controversy comes amid ongoing tensions between the ruling party and opposition groups, with concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. The IEC has emphasized that all submissions must adhere to strict guidelines, and any delays are not acceptable.

The situation highlights growing concerns about the fairness of the electoral process, with calls for transparency and adherence to established rules. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the upcoming local elections.