ANC Pushes Leadership Election Overhaul to Rebuild Trust

The African National Congress (ANC) is weighing major reforms to its leadership election process in a bid to restore credibility after historic electoral losses and mounting allegations of vote-buying. A discussion document prepared for the party’s National General Council (NGC) in December stresses the urgent need for renewal, highlighting corruption, factionalism, and declining youth engagement as critical threats to the party. While specific reforms remain undecided, some members have floated the idea of an open ballot system to increase transparency. However, critics warn that such a system could fuel intimidation and deepen divisions. The ANC frames the debate as part of a broader effort to rebuild discipline, integrity, and public trust, with political analysts saying the outcome will signal the seriousness of the party’s renewal agenda.

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