ANC calls for probe into 'unauthorised release' of its candidate lists ...

JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress (ANC) has called for an investigation into the "unauthorised release" of its candidate lists for the upcoming elections.

The list, which includes personal information of the party's national and provincial candidates, started making the rounds on social media on Friday, a short while after the ANC's submission to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC).

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Political parties and independent candidates had until five o'clock Friday afternoon to submit these lists to contest in the upcoming polls.

The ANC said the leaking of this confidential document is concerning, as it not only breaches the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act, but also poses a reputational risk for the IEC.

Based on the IEC's timetable, these lists were set to be open for inspection on 26 and 27 March.

The ANC said this gives opposition parties an unfair advantage, as they will have two weeks to inspect and prepare objections against the candidates nominated by the party.

It said an investigation into this will help ensure that it does not happen again.