Eastern Cape African National Congress (ANC) leader Oscar Mabuyane has been re-elected for a second term, brushing off his rival Babalo Madikizela.

Mabuyane and most of the party leaders on his slate managed to take over political control in the province, in what was a shambolic elective conference marred by disruptions, as  477 ballots were counted.

Mabuyane received 812 votes, and Madikizela 662.

It was a clean sweep for the rest of Mabuyane’s slate. 

Mlungisi Mvoko beat Xolile Nkompela to deputy chairperson with 812 votes. 

Lulama Ngcukayitobi was re-elected as provincial secretary.  

Helen Sauls-August was also re-elected deputy secretary with 805 votes.  

Meanwhile, Zolille Williams obtained 799 votes and was elected treasurer. 

Cheers, song and dance erupted as Mabuyane was announced as the winner.

During voting on Monday, a delegate from the OR Tambo region was caught taking a photo of his ballot paper. It however had little impact on the outcome.

The conference saw a failed court bid and pandemonium about credentials, which determine who can participate and, as a result, vote for the leadership.

While the conference was meant to be wrapped up by Sunday evening, disputes and delays continued late into the night.

Conference delegates spent hours discussing credentials, with some aligned to Madikizela pushing for some branches to be excluded from proceedings. 

Party President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to close the conference later on Monday.