The ruling ANC has directed its branches to start the nomination process ahead of elections next year, the party said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The NWC [national working committee] observed that the process to select the ANC's candidates for next year's election is underway and branches have been directed to start the process of making nominations," said spokesperson Jessie Duarte.

The branch nominations will go to the provincial list conferences and must be completed by 7 December.

The national list conference will be held on 13 and 14 December Duarte said.

Sapa