ANC believes there's no 'theoretical basis' for SACP to contest elections alone

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) believes there is no “theoretical basis” for the SA Communist Party (SACP) contesting elections alone.

Last year, the SACP resolved to no longer contest elections under the ANC umbrella.

The ANC has criticised the decision, saying it will split the alliance vote and benefit opposition parties, while the Communist Party says it wants more influence in the direction of the country.

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Speaking at the Chris Hani regional conference in the Eastern Cape on Friday, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula says if the SACP wants more of its councillors to be on the deployment lists, that can be resolved.

“I know comrades from the Communist Party are always arguing that there is a theoretical basis to their contest, but I need to be educated on it. What is the theoretical basis of this contest? What is this hurry that now we have reached the point where the party can stand on its own, and it believes that will be favourable to the democratic forces in the NDR (National Democratic Revolution), how will that strengthen us?”