The African National Congress on Wednesday said its largest base during elections 2009 was in Gauteng.

The ruling party’s Gauteng branch said it is concerned about a shortage of ballot papers in the province. It said it was worst affected by the problem on voting day.

“We go out to mobilise people to vote, we create a lot of excitement and when they come we should be ready for them. [The shortage of ballot papers] is something we will take up with the IEC,” said Gauteng ANC Chair Paul Mashatile.

The provincial branch has nominated Mashatile as its preferred candidate for Gauteng premier, a position he already holds.

It has also put forward the names of its deputy chairperson, Nomvula Mokonyane, and deputy provincial secretary, Mandla Mkomfe.