ANC takes IEC nomination dispute to Electoral Court, saying 181 candidates are affected

The African National Congress (ANC) takes its nomination dispute with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to the Electoral Court, saying the matter affects 181 candidates. The party says it is challenging the IEC’s handling of nominations and is seeking resolution through the court process.

The ANC rejects claims that it is asking for special treatment for any candidates. The party frames the issue as one that requires judicial scrutiny, given the alleged impact on those included in or linked to the nomination process. The report places emphasis on the number of candidates affected and the ANC’s position that its request does not amount to exceptional preferential handling.

While the basic facts—an ANC-IEC disagreement over nominations and the ANC’s move to the Electoral Court—are clear, the key point of contention in the dispute is how the ANC characterises its own stance. The ANC maintains it is not pursuing special treatment, but the underlying dispute centres on the nomination decisions being contested and their consequences for the affected candidates.