ANC media statement at the conclusion of the National List Conference

25 January 2009

The African National Congress (ANC) National List Conference - originally scheduled for two days – ended a day earlier yesterday (Saturday, 24 January 2009) in Esselen Park, Ekurhuleni, with delegates reaching a broad agreement on candidates’ list submitted to represent the organisation in Parliament and the nine provincial legislatures after the 2009 elections.

Now subject to processing by the National List Committee – in line with ANC list guidelines - the list is to be referred to the organisation’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and later the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to ensure compliance.

The process of choosing candidates, which started at ANC branch level, has been a rigorous and consultative one. For this resounding success in the process of choosing our public representatives, we express our deep appreciation for the work done by ANC branches and provinces, the leagues and our Alliance partners – the SA Communist Party, Congress of South African Trade Unions and the SA National Civic Organisation. We are committed to the process of building a government on the principles of transparency, fairness and consultation. The ANC has placed much emphasis on selecting candidates for Parliament and provincial legislatures that have a track record of involvement in communities, who are familiar with consultative processes, and who are able to forge partnerships in implementation.

In choosing candidates to ensure gender balance, the ANC can be proud to have achieved a minimum of 50% women representation in the National Assembly and in the nine legislatures. We also appreciate a serious effort in ensuring representation of people with disabilities in Parliament and in provincial legislatures, with experience having been retained to a great extent.

Issued by: African National Congress

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