The Constitutional Court’s ruling that allows for the reinstatement of 181 ANC candidates to contest the local government elections, following the Electoral Court’s initial ruling against it, is strange and problematic.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) wants to make it clear that even though the party does not agree with and may criticise a ruling by the country’s highest court, it certainly does not mean that the party lacks respect for the judiciary.
The judgment puts the ANC in a position to still contest the election in Mangaung, despite administrative failures and internal conflict.
The fact that the ANC failed to submit its candidate lists before the deadline typifies its governance style where it is in power – on national or local government level. It is characterised by sheer incompetence and the inability to comply with even the most basic requirements.
Recent events once again demonstrate to voters that the ANC simply cannot govern properly – and they should take note. This is exactly who and what the ANC is.
South Africa’s future is in the hands of voters, and the fact that the ANC may contest the election in the Mangaung Metro does not mean that votes should simply be handed to it.
Votes must be earned, and the ANC has repeatedly shown that it does not deserve the trust and support of the people of South Africa.
