IEC says it’s not taking sides as it brands the DA election case ‘without merit’
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has dismissed the Democratic Alliance's (DA) legal challenge regarding single-name proportional representation lists as meritless. The IEC argues that the challenge is disruptive and that the practice of using single-name lists is legally established.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights tensions in South African electoral law ahead of the 2026 local government elections, potentially impacting how political parties manage candidate lists.
Ask AI 2 min Chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo says the IEC considers the DA’s legal challenge over single-name PR lists without merit, arguing the application was brought weeks before voting day.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has warned that the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Electoral Court challenge over single-candidate proportional representation lists could disrupt the 2026 local government elections.
In its answering affidavit, the IEC said the DA’s application was brought just weeks before voting day, after nominations had closed and candidate lists had been certified.
IEC chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo said the commission did not choose a side in the dispute, but strongly criticised the DA’s case.
“The Commission is firmly of the view that the DA’s case is without merit in law,” Mamabolo said.
“Many of the arguments made by the DA are factually opportunistic and legally specious.”
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