Judgment reserved in Eastern Cape ANC candidate lists dispute

Judgment has been reserved until tomorrow in the urgent application launched by two African National Congress (ANC) members in the Eastern Cape at the Makhanda High Court.

The members are demanding that the court nullify councillor candidates and mayoral candidate lists.

T hey claim party processes and guidelines were not followed in the nomination processes of candidates.

They alleged that these processes were manipulated and are not a true reflection of what transpired during Branch General Meetings.

Applicants in the matter have accused the ANC’s provincial executive committee, Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula; and provincial secretary Lulama Ngcukaitobi of contravening the party’s 2026 local government election candidate selection rules, guideline and procedures.

They claim the respondents failed to publish the finalised ward councillor candidate list on the party’s website, further alleging that the list was altered, arguing that Mbalula admitted in a letter addressed to them that indeed the list was altered.

Most of these disgruntled members hail from various branches in the party, which include Inxuba Yethemba Sub-Region in the Chris Hani and Alfred Nzo Regions.

The defence argued that the application was not urgent, and that the matter should be heard in the Electoral Court; as it cites the Electoral Commission as respondents, and deals with matters relating to the 2026 local government election.

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