BY BECKER SEMELA:
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) says it will approach the Electoral Court about its candidates and wards following the publication of the final candidate list for the 2026 Local Government Elections on Wednesday.
UDM president Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Bantu Holomisa, said the party had identified discrepancies in the final list published by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).
According to Holomisa, some candidates and areas included in the UDM’s submissions do not appear on the published list for certain wards as the IEC has said the matter affects more than 2 274 prospective candidates from 45 political parties.
He said the missing candidates include both proportional representation (PR) and ward candidates. “The UDM had been communicating with the IEC about its candidate submissions and the electoral process.
“We are now seeking clarity on how the individual cases involving the affected political parties were considered,” Holomisa said.
He said the 45 political parties had different candidate submissions and individual circumstances and believes these matters should not necessarily be treated as one case without considering the details of each party and its candidates.
“Our legal team has accordingly been instructed to approach the Electoral Court to place the UDM’s case before the court and to seek clarity and the proper ventilation of the individual issues affecting our candidates.
“Our decision to approach the court was not intended to undermine the electoral process or the institutions responsible for managing the elections. Instead, we are using the legal processes available to it to ensure that its submissions and the circumstances of its candidates receive proper consideration, “Holomisa said.
Despite the dispute, he said they would continue with their preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections.
The party would intensify its mobilisation efforts in wards where its candidates appear on the final list and in municipalities where its PR candidates are listed. – @NewsSA_Online
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