The ANC Amathole Region has raised concerns about changes to its candidate lists for the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The region says some candidates who were nominated by branches did not appear on the list released by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
Concerns over candidate lists
The ANC Amathole Regional Executive Committee (REC) raised the concerns in a statement on Saturday, 19 September.
The REC said branches and members had reported problems with the lists.
The region pointed to the ANC candidate for Mnquma Ward 9. The REC said the candidate did not appear on the IEC list.
The REC said it noticed problems before the IEC released the lists.
Candidates had to sign IEC acceptance forms during the process. However, the REC said some candidates did not appear on the IEC system.
Those candidates therefore did not receive acceptance forms.
The regional leadership then held a special REC meeting to discuss the issue.
ANC raises matter with leadership
The Amathole REC said it reported the matter to ANC provincial and national structures.
It also contacted the Electoral Commission.
The REC called the alleged changes “suspicious alterations”. It asked the ANC to take corrective action if an investigation finds wrongdoing.
The regional leadership said the extended ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) and extended National Executive Committee (NEC) had accepted the regional list without changes.
The REC also referred to ANC rules for choosing candidates for the 2026 elections.
According to the REC, only the extended PEC and extended NEC could make certain changes to the lists. The changes must also meet the required level of support.
Investigation into candidate lists
The Amathole REC said it had not received a formal explanation for the removal of the affected candidates.
The REC said the ANC Secretary-General had started a forensic investigation into alleged changes to candidate lists in the Eastern Cape.
The regional leadership said it was waiting for the investigation’s findings.
The REC also raised concerns about further changes after the IEC released the candidate lists.
It said some candidates were allegedly moved to different positions. Others were allegedly moved from one municipal list to another.
The regional leadership said the investigation should establish what happened.
ANC calls for unity
The Amathole REC said it supported the investigation by the ANC Secretary-General’s office.
It also called on members and branches to remain calm and disciplined while the investigation continues.
The REC urged ANC branches, structures and volunteers to focus on the party’s campaign ahead of the 4 November 2026 Local Government Elections.
The allegations have not been independently confirmed. The ANC investigation and responses from the relevant structures could provide further clarity.
