The African National Congress (ANC) has suffered a legal setback after a court ruling upheld the Independent Electoral Commission’s (IEC) decision to exclude its candidates from the electoral list. The ruling, handed down on Wednesday, effectively leaves the IEC’s decision in place, forcing the ANC to continue its legal challenge. Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has used the ANC’s defeat as a rallying point, announcing it has secured candidates for every ward in the upcoming November 4 local government elections. DA Federal Council chairperson Ashor Sarupen emphasized the party’s preparedness, stating it is the only major party to have a candidate in every ward.
The ANC has vowed to fight the decision, with party officials accusing the IEC of procedural errors. However, the court’s ruling has added pressure on the ANC to adjust its strategy ahead of the elections. The DA’s success in securing ward-level candidates highlights its growing influence in local politics, while the ANC’s legal battle continues to strain its internal cohesion. As the election date approaches, the political landscape in South Africa remains in flux.
