Gauteng ANC Challenges Discrepancies in Local Government Election Results

The African National Congress in Gauteng has lodged formal objections with the Electoral Commission of South Africa, challenging discrepancies in the 2026 Local Government Election results. The party submitted approximately 35 Section 65 objections before the prescribed deadline. This move is part of the ANC's effort to ensure that all irregularities are thoroughly investigated and that the final results accurately reflect the will of the people. The party remains confident in the merits of its submissions.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa has received a total of 197 objections, with 54 dismissed, eight withdrawn, and two upheld as of Saturday afternoon. The ANC's objections are focused on ensuring that the electoral process is transparent and fair. The party has already confirmed victories in seven wards across Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, and Tshwane through recounts, with more outcomes awaiting official IEC confirmation. This development comes as the IEC continues to finalize the election results.

The ANC is calling on the IEC to give all objections the necessary attention, emphasizing that successful challenges must result in appropriate corrective action. The party's move is aimed at maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. According to the ANC, the final results must accurately reflect the will of the people as expressed through the ballot. This ensures that the democratic process is upheld and that the voices of all citizens are heard.

The IEC has been working to complete the vote counting process in various provinces. As of Saturday afternoon, the commission had completed vote counting in six provinces, with the final results nearing announcement. The IEC's efforts are focused on ensuring that the election results are accurate and reliable. The commission has also been engaging with various political parties to address their concerns and objections.

The ANC's objections are part of a broader effort to ensure that the electoral process is transparent and accountable. The party has been working closely with its members and supporters to identify any irregularities and to report them to the IEC. This move is aimed at promoting a culture of transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The ANC's efforts are also focused on promoting public trust in the electoral process.

Other political parties have also been engaging with the IEC over election results. The Democratic Alliance has indicated that it will engage with like-minded parties to discuss forming coalition agreements. The MK party has also been pursuing coalition bargaining despite lodging a formal IEC objection. These developments reflect the complexities of the electoral process and the need for political parties to work together to form effective coalitions.

The final results of the Local Government Election are expected to be announced soon. The IEC has been working to finalize the results, taking into account all objections and concerns raised by various political parties. The ANC's objections are part of a broader effort to ensure that the electoral process is fair and transparent. The party's efforts are focused on promoting public trust in the electoral process and ensuring that the voices of all citizens are heard.

Key points

• ANC lodges 35 Section 65 objections with IEC over alleged irregularities
• IEC receives 197 objections, with 54 dismissed, eight withdrawn, and two upheld
• ANC calls for thorough investigation of irregularities to ensure accurate reflection of people's will