ANC Joburg weighs Electoral Court action over IEC discrepancies in 15 wards

The ANC in Greater Johannesburg is considering taking the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) to the Electoral Court over alleged discrepancies in 15 wards, while also stating that it accepts the outcome of the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Regional spokesperson Mantombi Nkosi told Africa Daily on Wednesday that the region believes the IEC made mistakes in 15 wards across Johannesburg, and while the IEC has provided explanations for some, others remain unresolved.

"There are 15 wards that we believe the IEC has made mistakes. Some the IEC has given us explanations but in some we are considering going to the Electoral Court," Nkosi said.

"I can't go into details with those complaints yet because we are considering court."

The ANC in Johannesburg released a formal statement on Wednesday acknowledging and accepting the outcome of the elections, while also stating that it had identified several discrepancies and matters of concern in various areas across the region.

"The African National Congress in the Greater Joburg Region acknowledges and accepts the outcome of the 2026 Local Government Elections. We respect the democratic will of the people of Johannesburg, as expressed through the ballot and recognise that the results reflect the choices and expectations of residents across our communities," the statement read.

"The outcome of these elections presents the organisation with an important moment for reflection, introspection, and organisational renewal."

"The conclusion of voting and the subsequent counting process mark an important stage in the electoral process, during which the accuracy of recorded results remains critical to ensuring that the outcome reflects the votes cast by the electorate. It is in this context that the ANC in Johannesburg has undertaken a review of electoral outcomes in some areas and identified several discrepancies and matters of concern in various areas across the region," the region said.

"We have therefore submitted formal objections through the applicable electoral process."

The ANC has not disclosed which wards are affected, what the nature of the alleged errors is, or whether the discrepancies would change the allocation of seats in the City of Johannesburg council.

Nkosi declined to provide further detail, citing the possibility of litigation.

"We further recognise that the results reflect a range of concerns, experiences and expectations expressed by the electorate. As a movement with a long-standing responsibility towards the people of Johannesburg, we must approach this outcome with humility, honesty, and a renewed commitment to the principles of accountability and service," the region said.

"We once again extend our sincere appreciation to every resident who participated in the electoral process, particularly those who entrusted the ANC with their vote. We also acknowledge the commitment of our members, volunteers, election agents and activists who worked tirelessly throughout the campaign, engaged communities, and contributed to the democratic process."

"We acknowledge the democratic choice of all residents. The organisation must listen to the concerns of all residents, irrespective of their political affiliation or electoral preferences."

"Our responsibility towards the people of Johannesburg cannot be determined solely by electoral outcomes," the region said.

"We are conscious that the people of Johannesburg continue to face significant challenges relating to reliable water and electricity supply, infrastructure maintenance, public safety, unemployment, housing, municipal financial management and the general quality of municipal services."

The region said restoring public confidence will require visible work, ongoing engagement with communities, improved organisational discipline, and a clear commitment to addressing residents' daily challenges, rather than political statements alone.

It said its commitment to serving Johannesburg is not limited to election periods, and that whether in government, council or opposition, it will continue to engage communities, represent their interests, and work towards sustainable solutions for the city.

It said the election results should be used as an opportunity for honest reflection and decisive organisational renewal.

It said the ANC in Greater Johannesburg remains committed to the people of the city, with a responsibility to listen, account, renew, and work towards a city that provides dignity, opportunity and a better quality of life for all residents.

The ANC said it is keeping its legal options open.

The IEC has not yet responded to the ANC's claims.