ANC opposed to SACP contesting elections alone, says it will deplete progressive forces in SA

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) said it was opposed to its alliance partner, the South African Communist Party (SACP), contesting elections alone, saying this would further divide the progressive vote in the country.

In 2024, SACP general secretary, Solly Mapaila, made the announcement that they would contest the 2026 local government elections to exercise their independence.

The ANC held a media briefing on Tuesday to communicate the outcomes of its recent national executive committee (NEC) meeting.

Since the turn of democracy, the ANC has had to deal with a number of breakaway parties, from the Congress of the People (COPE), the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and more recently, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.

With every party that breaks away from the ANC, it also takes votes away.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said that if the SACP went ahead with contesting elections alone, it would hurt the ANC.

"The Communist Party standing on its own will deplete the progressive forces in this country, and we stand opposed to that. As much as we respect the decision of the party, it will weaken more than strengthen."

On the other side, the SACP said there was no turning back this time on its decision to contest elections alone.