MK Party demands answers from IEC over rejected candidate list changes

The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has intensified its dispute with the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) over the rejection of its request to correct candidate nomination lists ahead of the electoral process.

In a statement on Saturday, 24 October, the party said the commission had declined its request for amendments, raising concerns about fairness, transparency and the administration of elections.

The MK Party said its application sought changes relating to the placement of ward candidates, candidates allegedly left off the lists and cases involving candidates who had died.

According to the party, these corrections were necessary for its organisational preparations and participation in the elections.

However, in a response dated 20 October 2026, the IEC reportedly maintained that the Constitutional Court ruling in the ANC v IEC matter did not reopen the nomination process beyond the limited restoration of nominations already captured on its online system before the deadline.

The MK Party is now demanding a detailed written explanation from the commission, including why its requests were turned down and how each category of amendment was assessed.

It also wants clarity on the distinction between the relief granted to the ANC through the court proceedings and the changes it sought.

The party further questioned whether the ANC received any procedural accommodation beyond what was provided for in the Constitutional Court order, and whether the MK Party was given an equal opportunity to have its circumstances considered.

“These are reasonable questions that go to the heart of fairness and accountability. The IEC must answer them with facts, documentation and law, not evasions,” the party said.

The latest dispute adds to the MK Party’s previous criticism of the electoral commission, including concerns over a dashboard interruption during the 2024 elections.

The party also referred to the unauthorised disclosure of candidate lists belonging to itself and the ANC in 2024, saying the incident raised questions about the safeguarding of sensitive electoral information.

It further cited other concerns about the commission, including allegations involving electoral processes and individuals, as reasons for its distrust.

The MK Party said it would continue pursuing the matter through lawful channels and would not withdraw its candidates or abandon its demands for accountability.

“We will not be intimidated into silence. We will not abandon our candidates,” the party said.

The party called on its members and supporters to remain united and disciplined as it seeks answers from the commission.

The IEC’s position, as outlined in its 20 October response cited by the party, is that the court judgment did not provide for a general reopening of candidate nominations.

The MK Party maintains that its request requires further explanation, particularly on the principles of equal treatment and procedural fairness.