The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has rejected the ANC’s “technical glitch” justification for failing to submit all its candidates for the Local Government Elections.

On Monday, the ANC said it experienced technical issues when capturing candidates on the Commission’s system, affecting the number of contesting parties. It said it would finalise the matter with the IEC.

“On the day of lodgement, the Commission’s candidate-capture system experienced technical issues that affected a number of contesting parties. As a result, a small number of the Movement’s entries are being finalised together with the Commission… 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,” read the ANC’s statement

ANC CANDIDATE LIST LODGED AS THE MOVEMENT FOCUSES ON WINNING THE 2026 LOCAL GOVERNMENT#ANCManifesto2026#VoteANC2026 pic.twitter.com/pg4ktmFVya

— ANC – African National Congress (@MYANC) August 31, 2026

But the Commission advised that it does not intend to allow any more time for parties to capture candidates after last Friday’s deadline.

“The Commission wishes to clarify that it has not allowed any party, nor does it intend to allow any party or independent candidates an additional capturing opportunity beyond the close of candidate nomination on Friday, 28 August 2026 at 17h00,” read the IEC’s statement.

The IEC added that there was sufficient time allocated for the nomination process on the Online Candidate Nomination System, with parties having had access since 21 June.

“The Commission opened the candidate nomination system earlier on 21st June 2026 to ensure sufficient time and uninterrupted use of the system ahead of the deadline by contestants.”

The Commission said it remains committed to transparency, impartiality and credibility ahead of the 4 November elections, and has scheduled an update on the election process for Wednesday afternoon.

🚨The IEC has noted the statement issued by the ANC on 31 August 2026

The IEC clarifies that it has not allowed, and does not intend to allow, any political candidates an additional capturing opportunity beyond the close of candidate nominations on Friday, 28 August 2026 at 5p.m pic.twitter.com/50wyC5Xmi6

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) September 1, 2026