IEC rules out extension for local election candidate nominations

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) says it has not allowed, nor does it intend to allow, any political party or independent candidate an additional opportunity to capture candidate nominations after the close of the nomination period.

This follows reports that the African National Congress (ANC) experienced technical difficulties while submitting some of its candidate nominations for municipalities in its stronghold, the Eastern Cape.

The IEC had urged all political parties and independent candidates to submit their candidate nominations by 17:00 on Friday, 28 August 2026.

ANC SAYS OUTSTANDING ENTRIES BEING FINALISED

On Monday, the ANC said it had successfully lodged the overwhelming majority of its candidates within the IEC deadline.

However, the party said the IEC’s candidate-capture system experienced technical issues on the day of the submission, affecting 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,” ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said.

IEC RESPONDS TO ANC CLAIMS

In response, the IEC said it had noted the ANC’s statement regarding the submission of its nominated candidates.

The Commission clarified that it had not allowed any political party or independent candidate an additional opportunity to capture nominations beyond the close of candidate nomination on Friday, 28 August 2026 at 17:00.

“All matters pertaining to the intricacies of the candidate nomination process would be discussed in the National Political Liaison Committee constituted by all parties that are represented in the National Assembly,” the IEC said.

The Commission also clarified that its Online Candidate Nomination System remained available to users throughout the nomination period, including on the cut-off date.

While the official candidate nomination period began on Proclamation Day on 7 August 2026, the IEC said it had opened the system earlier, on 21 June 2026, to provide contestants with sufficient time to use the system ahead of the deadline.

The IEC said it would provide a comprehensive briefing on the outcome of the candidate nomination process and the next milestones in the 2026 Local Government Elections on Wednesday, 2 September.