In a historic turn of events, South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) has seen its parliamentary majority slip away for the first time since the dawn of democracy in 1994.
This marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s political trajectory.
With nearly all votes accounted for, the ANC has managed to secure slightly above 40 per cent, falling short of the threshold required to govern independently. The Democratic Alliance (DA) followed with 21 per cent of the votes, while the newly formed MK Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters lagged behind with 14 per cent and 9 per cent respectively.
To retain power and ensure the re-election of President Cyril Ramaphosa, the ANC is now faced with the task of forming a coalition government. Talks are set to commence, with the DA and MK Party as potential allies. However, the negotiation process is anticipated to be complex, given the differing conditions and agendas of the various parties.
The election results have been lauded by opposition parties as a significant breakthrough for a nation grappling with issues of poverty and inequality. “The key to South Africa’s salvation lies in breaking the ANC’s majority, and we have achieved that,” stated John Steenhuisen, the leading opposition figure.
The ANC has faced criticism for its inability to deliver basic government services and address the country’s rampant unemployment, which currently stands at 32 per cent. “We are open to negotiations with the ANC, but not with Cyril Ramaphosa’s ANC,” declared MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela.
This election outcome paves a new political path for South Africa, fostering hopes for a new era of collaboration and progress. While the final results are slated to be officially announced by Sunday, it is clear that the ANC will not be able to cross the 50 per cent mark.
