ANC KZN demands IEC disqualify MK Party and FF Plus over alleged electoral sabotage, SA weighs in

The African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal filed criminal charges against two candidates from rival parties
The ANC called on the Independent Electoral Commission to take action against the two, whom the party accused of sabotage
South Africans took to social media to weigh in on the ANC's decision, sharing varied reactions to it

The ANC in KZN is demanding that the IEC take action against two political parties over alleged electoral sabotage. Image: Per-Anders Pettersson/ Zinyange Auntony
Source: Getty Images

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.

KWAZULU-NATAL — The African National Congress in KwaZulu-Natal has formally demanded that the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa disqualify both the uMkhonto Party and the Freedom Front Plus, accusing the two parties of deliberate electoral sabotage ahead of upcoming local government elections.

The ANC issued a press release on 19 October 2026, calling for the IEC to impose maximum financial penalties, forfeit the electoral deposits of the accused parties, and refer persistent offenders to the Electoral Court for removal from the ballot.

Named candidates face criminal charges

Two candidates were specifically identified in the statement. MKP Ward 41 candidate Lindiwe Happiness Nxumalo, who contests in KwaMashu, was accused of defacing and destroying ANC campaign materials together with members of her family. Freedom Front Plus candidate Michelle Wright, who is standing in the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, was separately accused of removing ANC campaign materials.

The ANC confirmed that criminal charges had been filed with police in connection with both incidents. The party described those involved as "rogue political entities" and framed the conduct as a coordinated attempt to undermine the integrity of the electoral process in the province.

Social media users respond

The post drew a range of reactions from South African social media users.

Nonkuh Sibiya wrote:

"This competition gives ANC a sleepless night."

Mlazi AS commented:

"Once you have hardcore evidence, submit it to the IEC. Those parties will be removed from the ballot. There's no doubt about it at all."

@NgwaziSk said:

"They are scared of MKP."

Khehla Mthiya responded:

"Last kick of a dying horse."

Mapule Maimela added:

"ANC is sweating."

Rovhofhololwa Rovhofhololwa wrote:

"There is nothing wrong. The MK Party is doing God's work."

ANC KZN demands IEC disqualify MK Party and FF Plus over alleged electoral sabotage, SA weighs in

Named candidates face criminal charges

Social media users respond

Other stories about electoral sabotage allegations