Ekurhuleni – The South African Communist Party has ended its 14th congress by resolving to contest elections.

The party has campaigned with the African National Congress since 1994, but announced that it would effectively stand on its own in future elections.

“We have resolved that, while the SACP will definitely contest elections, the exact modality in which we do so, needs to be determined by a way of concrete analysis of the concrete reality and through the process of  active engagement with worker and progressive formations,” read newly elected 2nd deputy general secretary Chris Mathlako.

This formed part of the declarations adopted from the congress, where delegates had been singing songs about wanting state power.

News24 understands all commissions resolved to contest the elections.

“This is the dominant view, we want state power. The leadership has been reluctant, but its time,” said one delegate.

“We have now resolved on the issue of the SACP and its electoral options by building on the resolutions of the 12th and 13th congresses of our party,” said SACP general secretary Blade Nzimande.

He said the party would still meet with its alliance partners to discuss the resolutions adopted at the congress.

Nzimande also said the alliance remained strategic, but that the “mode” in which it functioned was outdated.

“The alliance mode of operation is incapable of holding together the alliance any further,” he said.

He added that the alliance – which is made of the SACP, Cosatu and Sanco – would disintegrate, with serious consequences.

“[You] can’t come here sing about state power, take a resolution, then go and sit back and not raise funds for the congress,” said Nzimande.

He urged party members to go out and raise funds for the SACP.

“But please do not take any money from the Guptas,” he added.