ANC STATEMENT ON RESULTS OF BY-ELECTIONS

The results of the local government by-elections held around the country yesterday (Wednesday, 10 December 2008) offer both encouragement and challenges for the African National Congress.

The ANC scored a number of important victories in most parts of the country. Where the ANC won, it typically did so with significant margins.

The results of elections in the Western Cape pose a significant challenge for the ANC.

The ANC is concerned that many voters in Cape Town were denied their right to vote for a candidate of their choice based on a technical problem within the IEC. The relatively low turnout in the municipality points to the impact of these problems.

The ANC emerges from these elections with a renewed determination to consolidate its significant support in the metro and the province, and to do the groundwork that is needed to mobilise people to vote.

The ANC would like to extend a hand of appreciation to the many voters who participated in these elections.

The ANC will now direct its election machinery to the forthcoming 2009 national and provincial elections.

Statement issued by Jessie Duarte, African National Congress spokesperson, December 11 2008