It is time for initial assessments, as well as a call to arms among political formations. Following the expiration of the deadline to rule on candidacy applications for the elections of members of Communal People’s Assemblies (APC) and Provincial People’s Assemblies (APW), scheduled for November 28, the National Independent Election Authority (ANIE) unveiled provisional rejection figures much feared by political parties and independent candidates.
Regarding APC candidacy lists, three lists were rejected out of a total of 5,631 lists submitted across all municipalities in the country, representing a rate of 0.05%, due to the “non-compliance with the condition related to signature forms and the presence of incomplete files,” according to explanations from ANIE.
Concerning APW, six lists were rejected out of a total of 434 lists submitted across all provinces of the country, representing a rate of 1.38%, for the same reasons of non-compliance with the condition related to signature forms and incomplete files. Candidates whose files were rejected can file appeals before administrative courts or competent jurisdictions, according to the provisions of the electoral law.
ANIE made it known that the procedure to replace affected candidates is ongoing with the provincial coordinator of ANIE, until October 28, 2026. From the very first notifications of rejection, parties began preparing necessary appeals, defending their lists or candidates, while in certain cases, the urgent priority is finding “suitable” replacements to complete the lists. The task is by no means simple, especially since political leaderships struggled to find and convince candidates, particularly youth and university graduates, to meet legal requirements.
Regarding candidacy rejection decisions, the Authority ensured transparency, flexibility, and swiftness in its explanations. According to its statement, these rejections are motivated by the following reasons: “failure to present legally required documents, non-registration on the electoral roll of the constituency in which the candidate is running, failure to reach the minimum age of 23 on election day, non-fulfillment or lack of exemption from national service, as well as the existence of a final conviction to a custodial sentence for a crime or offense without rehabilitation, excluding involuntary offenses.”
Rejection decisions were also motivated by “failure to justify the candidate’s status regarding tax administration, whether through final payment of tax amounts due, a payment schedule, or proof of non-taxation,” or because the candidate is “publicly known for ties to suspicious business circles and for direct or indirect influence on the free choice of voters and the smooth running of the electoral process,” alongside “the presence of elements compromising the principle of moralizing political life.” This also concerns the “ineligibility” of categories of persons mentioned in the famous Article 188 of the organic law on the electoral system.
The organic law on the electoral system stipulates that the rejection of any candidacy or list of candidates must be subject to a legally reasoned decision, which must be notified within 10 days from the date of filing the candidacy declaration. Failing that, the candidacy is deemed accepted.
The rejection decision can be appealed within three days following its notification. The competent territorial administrative court of appeal rules on the appeal within four days from the date of its filing.
Once final rulings are rendered, lists are completed and candidates whose files were rejected are replaced, prior to the publication by ANIE of final candidate lists.
It should be noted that notifications from the electoral authority sparked widespread criticism from political parties. The FFS reacted via a statement signed by its Secretary General, while the MSP indicated that 20% of its candidates were affected by rejection decisions. For its part, the Workers’ Party advocated for a revision of the electoral law, notably the provisions of Articles 200 and 184.