ANC NEC to set rules for 2026 candidate selection
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula
The African National Congress (ANC)’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has reconvened this weekend in Ormonde, south of Johannesburg, for a four-day meeting set to shape the party’s roadmap ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Saturday’s discussions are expected to centre on electoral guidelines and the selection process for candidates to represent the party across municipalities next year. The meeting marks the NEC’s first official sitting in over three months.
In addition to election preparations, the NEC will review the performance of its top leadership and the National Working Committee (NWC). It is also anticipated to receive updates from the Integrity Commission, with the agenda covering pressing domestic and international matters, including economic challenges and the workings of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula confirmed that the party will be laying out a comprehensive presentation on its strategy for the upcoming polls. This comes amid growing tension within the tripartite alliance, as the South African Communist Party (SACP) has expressed its intention to contest elections independently of the ANC.
The NEC’s deliberations are expected to address sensitive issues, including dual membership of alliance partners and the allocation of Cabinet positions, as the ANC prepares to navigate what could be a highly competitive electoral landscape.
The party has indicated that organisational matters will take priority this weekend, with the NEC also setting its sights on the upcoming National General Council later this year.
