ANC Questions SACP’s Independent Election Move

The African National Congress (ANC) has reiterated its concern over the South African Communist Party’s (SACP) decision to contest the 2026 local government elections independently. The issue was a key focus during a meeting of alliance partners held at Luthuli House in Johannesburg on Monday.

The SACP recently resolved to participate in the elections outside of its long-standing alliance with the ANC. This decision followed the party’s dissatisfaction with the ANC’s cooperation with the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the government of national unity, rather than engaging what it views as progressive political partners such as the EFF and MK Party.

According to the ANC, the SACP’s decision is believed to undermine the broader coordinated efforts aimed at advancing a national democratic society and continuing the historical mission of the national democratic revolution. The governing party maintains that the move may present practical challenges and weaken collective influence within the political landscape.

Despite its decision, the SACP has emphasised its commitment to maintaining strong relations within the tripartite alliance, which includes the ANC and trade union federation Cosatu. The party considers its resolution to contest independently as a product of thorough internal analysis, while still valuing the long-standing political cooperation that underpins the alliance.

As discussions continue, both parties have expressed interest in preserving unity, even as they navigate differing views on electoral strategy.