UDM Faces Candidate‑List Challenge but Keeps Campaign Alive

What’s Happening?

United Democratic Movement (UDM) deputy president and Buffalo City mayoral hopeful Ngabayomzi Kwankwa says the party’s ward candidates are missing from the official election list. Only his name appears on the proportional‑representation (PR) list for Buffalo City.

Why the Ward Names Are Missing

Kwankwa explains that the omission is not a sign of abandonment. The UDM deliberately chose to list only its mayoral candidates on the PR ballots. The party believes that putting many names on the PR list can create internal competition and distract from its broader goals.

Party’s Official Stance

“For this election we took a deliberate decision that only our mayoral candidates would appear on the PR lists,” Kwankwa said. The move was meant to keep the focus on the party’s overall vision rather than on individual ward races.

Legal Steps Underway

The UDM is not sitting idle. It has followed the required legal procedures to address the list issue:

• Sent a formal letter to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) through party president General Bantu Holomisa.
• Requested clarification and a resolution from the IEC.
• Prepared to pursue court action if the matter remains unresolved.

Kwankwa stressed that any legal action would be taken only after exhausting all lawful avenues.

Campaign Continues Despite Uncertainty

Even with the candidate‑list snag, the UDM plans to keep its election campaign moving forward:

• Regional leaders in Buffalo City agreed to keep campaigning while the legal process unfolds.
• Kwankwa will continue to meet with volunteers, supporters, and other candidates.
• The party will hold briefings for all its candidates to explain the situation before heading back into communities.

He summed up the resolve with a simple promise: “Even if I currently stand alone on the list, I will not stand alone in the streets.”

Wider Impact Across the Party

The ward‑list issue is not limited to Buffalo City. Other UDM regions are experiencing similar problems, prompting a party‑wide review of how candidate lists are submitted and verified.

Looking Ahead

The UDM’s goal remains clear: gain enough representation to take part in governing Buffalo City after the November 4 elections. Kwankwa reassured supporters that the party’s commitment to its candidates and its campaign has not wavered.

Conclusion

While the candidate‑list dispute presents a hurdle, the United Democratic Movement is responding with a mix of legal action, clear communication, and relentless grassroots campaigning. By keeping its mayoral candidate on the PR list and promising to explore every lawful avenue, the UDM aims to turn this challenge into an opportunity to demonstrate its resilience and dedication to serving the people of Buffalo City.