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South Africa’s election is set to bring an end to three decades of ANC rule

Alexander Winning

01/06/2024

You can read more about it here:

First time in history, the ruling party loses its majority on 40% of votes
South Africa enters a new era in coalition politics
Voters are angry about failed economic and social policies
The DA, the former leader Zuma’s party and other opposition parties placed 2nd and 3rd respectively

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters), June 1, 2010 – South Africa is set to end the dominance of the party that liberated it from Apartheid, after voters furious at unemployment, inequality, and power shortages reduced the African National Congress (ANC)’s share of votes to 40%.

The ANC, which received 57.5% of the vote in the 2019 parliamentary elections, now faces a difficult task to maintain its position.

Gwede Mantashe (ANC chair, current Mines and Energy Minister) told reporters, in comments broadcast on the South African Broadcasting Corporation, that “we can talk to everyone and anyone”. He was dodging a reporter’s question about with whom the party might be discussing a potential coalition.

The final results of the Wednesday vote were announced on Saturday morning. Over 98% polling stations had reported the ANC’s 40.29%.

The Democratic Alliance (DA), the main opposition party, had 21.63%, and uMkhonto we Sizwe, a new political party led by Jacob Zuma as former president, was able to secure 14.71%.

Since 1994, when the white minority was overthrown, the ANC won all previous national elections by a landslide. But in the last decade, its support has dwindled due to the stagnation of the economy, the rise of unemployment, and the crumbling roads and power plants.

MK’s performance in KwaZulu-Natal – Zuma’s province – is one of the reasons why the ANC did not secure a majority. They will have to now strike a deal with smaller parties or a coalition.

“WE ARE ALL TALKING”

The share of votes that each party receives determines their seat in the National Assembly which elects President.

Investors will be hoping that Africa’s largest industrialised economy can resolve its uncertain situation quickly and avoid a prolonged period of political wrangling.

Some parties are questioning what they call inconsistencies in the vote counting that could lead to certain results being challenged.

“There is harmony, and there is peace.” Nomvula Mokonyane, ANC’s First Deputy Secretary-General, said to SABC that “we (all) talk to each other.” “I would like to see the spirit that exists here permeate communities and voters.”

In theory, Ramaphosa could still hold on to his position as the former liberation party was expected to receive about twice as many voters as the next-placed party. He will still be weakened, and he could face resignation calls from both opposition parties and critics within the deeply divided ANC.

Analysts say that he does not have a clear successor.

In exchange for the opposition’s support, the ANC could be offered cabinet posts or more control over parliament – perhaps even the speaker.

The final results will be announced on Sunday by the election commission.

Tim Cocks edited the reportage by Silvia Roelf and Wendell Roelf, Johannesburg and Cape Town.

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Alexander edits and reports breaking news from Sub-Saharan Africa. He was previously a senior reporter focused on Southern Africa, and a correspondent in Russia. Before joining Reuters, he was a reporter at The Moscow Times.