Leaked documents: ANC rejects claims of foreign interference in elections

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu says the African National Congress rejects “baseless” allegations of foreign interference and reaffirms the integrity of its electoral processes. The African National Congress (ANC) has denied allegations of foreign interference in its electoral processes, dismissing recent media reports as “entirely baseless” and part of a broader misinformation campaign. The response follows media reports based on purportedly leaked documents alleging that the ANC may have been influenced by, or had links to, foreign state actors.

These reports suggest possible involvement with Russian and Iranian networks, including claims of covert funding, disinformation support, or strategic political backing intended to influence South Africa’s electoral outcomes. The allegations further imply that such foreign actors may have sought to shape public opinion or indirectly benefit the ANC through coordinated efforts, although no concrete evidence has been publicly verified. In a statement earlier this month, Ryan Smith, the Democratic Alliance’s spokesperson on international relations, cited a 2024 study by the Institute for Security Studies and alleged leaked documents linked to Russia’s foreign intelligence service.

According to Smith, these reports point to “targeted cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns” aimed at South African opposition parties, which he described as a threat to national security. He further criticised government officials for dismissing the claims, arguing this amounted to ignoring potential interference by the Russian Federation. ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the party “rejects these allegations in the strongest terms” following claims based on purported leaked documents that it had links to foreign actors, including Russia and Iran. The party further stated that there has been no foreign funding, direct or indirect, of any ANC electoral campaign and that “there has been no collaboration, coordination or engagement with any foreign intelligence service, including those of the Russian Federation or the Islamic Republic of Iran.” The party further stressed that its internal democratic processes remain free from outside influence.