The South African Communist Party (SACP) has reaffirmed its commitment to remaining a registered political party despite facing pressure from the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to deregister. The IEC issued a notice to 192 political parties, including the SACP, to cancel their registration due to various statutory requirements not being met.
SACP spokesperson Alex Mashilo stated that the party has submitted its representation to the IEC in order to remain on the official register. The party intends to contest the 2026 local government elections independently from the African National Congress (ANC), a departure from its historical alliance with the ruling party.
This decision comes as tensions within the tripartite alliance, which includes the SACP, ANC, and labor federation Cosatu, have escalated in recent years. The SACP has been critical of the ANC’s economic policies, governance failures, and handling of corruption scandals. SACP leader Solly Mapaila cited feeling neglected by the ANC as a reason for the party’s decision to contest elections independently.
Despite choosing to go it alone at the polls, the SACP maintains that the alliance with the ANC is still important. However, the party sees the need to strengthen its organizational independence and assert itself as a political force in its own right.
The move to contest independently has received support from Cosatu, with the labor federation criticizing the ANC for sidelining alliance partners during the formation of the government of national unity. Cosatu’s deputy president, Mike Shingange, expressed concerns about policy clashes between the ANC and the Democratic Alliance, highlighting the need for the SACP and Cosatu to assert themselves independently.
While some ANC leaders have warned that contesting elections independently could strain the alliance further, others have acknowledged the criticisms raised by the SACP. Deputy president Paul Mashatile has committed to rebuilding unity in the alliance and ensuring that it continues to represent the interests of the poor and working class.
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