The African Transformation Movement has applied to intervene in the ANC’s Electoral Court case over late candidate submissions for the November municipal elections.
The ATM says it submitted its own candidate lists on time but has a substantial interest in how the court interprets the Electoral Commission’s nomination rules. Its lawyers have asked to present written and oral arguments.
The ANC is challenging the exclusion of 181 candidates whose nominations were not completed by the 28 August deadline. It argues that the candidates’ information was already in the IEC system and wants the court to determine what constitutes a completed electronic submission.
The IEC opposes the application and says uploading or saving information does not amount to formally submitting a nomination. The commission says the same requirements must apply to all parties.
The Democratic Alliance has also sought to intervene. The ANC says it will oppose the DA’s involvement, arguing that the IEC is capable of defending its decision and that the DA’s interest is political.
The Electoral Court is expected to hear the matter on Tuesday. The court has not yet ruled on the intervention applications or the ANC’s main challenge.
