Media Statement

The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the judgment of the Constitutional Court in its favour concerning the submission of candidate lists for the forthcoming Local Government Elections. The judgment represents an important development in the interpretation of electoral legislation and the protection of constitutional rights within South Africa’s democratic electoral framework.

The ANC’s decision to approach the courts was informed by the fundamental principle that electoral processes must give meaningful expression to the democratic rights of citizens, while remaining firmly anchored in the law. Our recourse to the judiciary was never an attempt to undermine the Electoral Commission, but an exercise of the constitutional mechanisms available to resolve legitimate legal disputes within our democracy.

The ANC reaffirms its confidence in the independence of the judiciary and the Electoral Commission, whose constitutional responsibilities remain central to the integrity and credibility of our elections. We will cooperate fully with the Commission in implementing the judgment and ensuring an orderly electoral process consistent with the Court’s directions.

As the country approaches the Local Government Elections, the ANC remains firmly focused on engaging communities, accounting for progress made, confronting service delivery challenges and advancing its programme of building responsive, accountable and developmental local government.

Our democracy is strengthened when constitutional questions are resolved through the institutions established to safeguard the rights and aspirations of all South Africans. The ANC remains committed to this constitutional tradition and to the democratic will of the people.

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