ANC Abandons Plans to Name Mayoral Candidates
The party aims to avoid internal friction by delaying the announcement of candidates for the upcoming municipal elections.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in City Hall
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The African National Congress has decided to contest the upcoming municipal elections without publicly revealing its mayoral candidates. Party leadership aims to maintain a unified front during the remainder of the election campaign to prevent internal conflict.
Why it matters
The strategy shift attempts to stabilise the party as it navigates an increasingly competitive political landscape. By withholding names, the ANC hopes to avoid disputes among members while facing projected challenges in multiple provinces.
The party faces significant electoral headwinds with only two months of campaigning remaining. Ipsos research indicates that many metropolitan areas will likely shift towards coalition governments following the November 2026 contests.
The players
Mdumiseni Ntuli
He serves as the African National Congress head of elections.
Unathi Ntame
He acts as the EFF Western Cape Provincial chairperson.
Professor Zwelinzima Ndevu
He is the head of the Stellenbosch University School of Public Leadership.
The details
The ANC had previously considered selecting candidates from outside its traditional ranks but has opted for a unified front for now. This decision comes as the party prepares for a difficult election season against established opposition parties, particularly in the Western Cape.
Timeline
September 2026: Ipsos conducted a survey regarding national election competitiveness.
17-18 October 2026: Mdumiseni Ntuli announced the shift in candidate strategy.
November 2026: South Africa will hold its local government elections.
Political Context
Opposition parties argue that this decision may ultimately weaken the ANC by creating voter uncertainty in contested regions like the Western Cape. Critics suggest that failing to present clear leadership candidates hinders the public's ability to evaluate the party's future governance.
Voters will head to the polls in November without knowing the specific individuals the ANC intends to appoint as mayors. This change may influence how residents in competitive municipalities weigh their support for coalition governments versus individual candidates.
The takeaway
The move underscores the intense pressure parties face in managing internal divisions during tight election cycles. Voters should focus on party platforms and regional coalition projections, as the primary mayoral figures remain undeclared.
What happens next
Local government elections are scheduled to take place in November 2026.
Further reading
For more on local governance updates, visit the City Hall section.
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