PAC set to stand in 43 Bay wards

PAC NATIONAL leader Luthando Mbinda is visiting Nelson Mandela Bay to drum up support for his party, as the Independent Electoral Commission gave his party until last night to submit its candidate nominations for the elections.

Mbinda, who has been in the city since Wednesday and leaves today, said his party would field candidates in 43 wards in the Bay and throw its weight behind independent candidates in the remaining 17 wards.

Yesterday, the party survived being excluded from the August elections by a thread.

It almost missed the 5pm deadline given to it by the IEC as it tried to provide the material the commission wanted‚ including proof that Mbinda was its legitimate leader.

IEC spokeswoman Kate Bapela said the party had made last-minute online applications yesterday.

“I understand that they had all the required documentation ready and made online applications [last night]‚” she said.

The court dismissed former PAC leader Letlapa Mphahlele’s appeal against a previous court decision that recognised Mbinda as the legitimate party leader.

The PAC won a seat in the metro during the 2011 municipal elections.

However, when its PR councillor Anele Yawa resigned, it could not replace him due to internal party battles.

Mbinda said confusion over the party’s leadership was the main reason for Yawa’s not being replaced, and expressed regret over this.

PAC mayoral candidate Nomakhosazana Maqethuka is to be introduced to the public at a rally in New Brighton today.