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The Congress of the People welcomes the withdrawal of Shilowa-aligned dissidents from the forthcoming local government election, some of whom had attempted to manipulate IEC processes throughout the country.

COPE Head of Elections, Ndzipho Kalipa was satisfied by this particular outcome. "Our wards are now free and clear of candidates who had an agenda of destabilizing COPE at all costs. We can now focus on our election campaign and deepen democracy at local level. The list process went smoothly and without major challenges," Kalipa said.

Provinces have forwarded their completed list to the Head Office for consolidation and to ensure that they were in line with the national guidelines. In the guidelines consideration was given to gender, competency, age and geographical spread. The list process took place against the background of divisions within the party and therefore our consideration also included the issue of unity and inclusivity of Cope. Kalipa indicated that members from regions and voting districts who supported the former Deputy President have also defied people who impersonate Cope leaders and submitted their lists.

"The Congress Working Committee (CWC) will probably meet next week Monday to announce its mayoral committees and the nomination of mayors as per the mandate of the Congress National Committee (CNC). We would like to thank all our members and our structures for the manner in which they have conducted themselves during the process and the communities for adding value to the process by participating. Our focus has now shifted to campaigning and consolidating our base".