ANC challenges registration of MK party in court

The African National Congress (ANC) will approach the Electoral Court tomorrow seeking a declaratory order to invalidate the registration of the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party. The ANC contends that it was unlawful for the IEC to register the MK party based on a “supplemented” application.

If successful in its review application, the newly-formed political party endorsed by former ANC President Jacob Zuma will be barred from appearing on the 2024 ballot.

The governing party argues that the IEC’s Deputy Chief Electoral Officer erred and failed to comply with the law when considering the MK party’s “supplemented” application before registering it as a political party on September 7, 2023.

“The existence of a growing practice by the Electoral Commission to permit registration applications to be supplemented is an urgent matter that requires this Court’s intervention,” the ANC states in its court papers.

The MK party, which continues to dominate headlines amid a changing political landscape, is expected to contest the 2024 polls. However, its ambitions risk being derailed should the ANC’s challenge prove successful.

The MK party maintains its registration is lawful, arguing the IEC’s August 2023 communication was merely to assist with registration, not a rejection necessitating a fresh application as claimed by the ANC.

As the court battle looms, some MK party members have issued veiled threats should they be barred from the 2024 elections. At a media briefing, MK Youth Interim Leader Bonginkosi Khanyile stated they were “prepared to lay down our lives” to ensure the party and Jacob Zuma featured on the ballot.

Meanwhile, the IEC has filed what it terms “a comprehensive and candid account” before the court, submitting the ANC’s review application suffers from defects.

“The matter between MK, the ANC, regarding the registration of the party, we are in the hands of the court. We have said all that we needed to say in terms of our filing,” stated IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo.

The case holds significant implications for the 2024 elections and could reshape the political landscape should the court rule against the MK party’s participation. All eyes will be on the Electoral Court as it adjudicates this high-stakes legal battle.