Analyst calls ANC’s late candidate lists a sign of collapse

The ANC failed to submit its full candidate lists to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on time, a lapse an analyst described as evidence of an organisation in crisis, The Citizen reported on 2 September 2026.

Party cites technical problems; IEC deadline stands

According to The Citizen, the ANC confirmed it had not submitted all names of candidates who will stand as councillors and proportional representatives, attributing the shortfall to “system errors on the IEC’s side.”

The party statement quoted by The Citizen said:

“On the day of lodgement, the Commission’s candidate-capture system experienced technical issues that affected a number of contesting parties. As a result, a small number of the movement’s entries are being finalised together with the Commission. This is a technical and administrative matter, and it is being handled through the Commission’s established processes. The ANC has full confidence in the Electoral Commission and in the integrity of the electoral process. We commend the Commission for its constructive engagement with all affected parties, and we are working with it to bring these outstanding matters to a close. We are confident they will be resolved,” said party spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu.

The IEC, however, told The Citizen it would not extend the nomination deadline, and said nomination process matters would be discussed in the National Political Liaison Committee, the report said.

Critics accuse ANC of scrambling and disorganisation

The Citizen reported critics worried that the ANC might receive special accommodation after the August 28 deadline passed. Mayibuye Afrika founder Floyd Shivambu was quoted saying:

“It’s unfortunate that the incompetence of some political parties led to this, and we will closely monitor to make sure that the IEC does not bend backwards to accommodate any political party because we all worked tirelessly and under tremendous pressure to submit candidates for all the Wards,”

The Citizen reported.

Political analyst Andre Duvenhage told The Citizen he was not surprised by the missed deadline and characterised the situation as a sign of organisational collapse. The Citizen quoted Duvenhage:

“This is an organisation in crisis. What we are looking at is the ANC in crisis. We have seen, in a number of surveys, their support is dropping, even in places like Joburg.”

The Citizen also quoted Duvenhage saying:

“For them not to submit their list of candidates in some of their strongholds, to me, that should be punished in a severe way. This tells me that, from an organisational point of view, the ANC is not ready for the elections.”

Internal tensions and earlier signs of strain

The Citizen reported that the ANC recently decided not to publicly announce mayoral candidates, citing fears of defection and internal squabbles; the publication described that decision as another sign of disorganisation.

The Citizen said the party described its lists as a “mosaic of culture, gender, geography and skill,” while the report also noted disputes and allegations of manipulation in some provinces. The report said several high-profile ANC figures may be excluded amid controversies and internal recommendations.

What remains clear

According to The Citizen, the missed submissions, the IEC’s insistence on the deadline, and analysts’ comments have raised questions about the ANC’s organisational readiness ahead of the elections.