ANC VS MK Party: Electoral court to hand down judgement

JOHANNESBURG – The Electoral Court is expected to hand down judgement in the African National Congress’ (ANC) application challenging the registration of uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) as a political organisation.

Arguments were heard last week for and against the standing of political newcomer - with the governing party claiming due process was not followed.

The ANC is also accusing the MK Party - which is backed by former ANC president Jacob Zuma – of unlawfully supplementing a defective application after its initial one was rejected.

Both the MK Party and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa have maintained that this is not unlawful.

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The outcome will also answer questions on whether the ANC can bypass the internal dispute resolution mechanism and go straight to the courts.

In its papers, the ANC said after the MK Party’s application for registration was initially rejected because it didn’t meet the prescribed requirements, it then unlawfully supplemented its application, instead of submitting a new one.

The IEC, however, maintained this was all above board, as did the MK Party, which expressed its confidence last week.

“We’re quite confident that the IEC has done its duty and followed their due process as per the act,” said MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela.

Ndhlela believes they will emerge victorious and is adamant that they will appear on the ballot for the upcoming elections.