Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ In a historic shift, the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority in South Africa’s recent elections, marking the end of an era since the country transitioned from apartheid 30 years ago. With over 99% of votes counted, the ANC secured just over 40%, a significant drop from its dominant position since the iconic 1994 election that brought Nelson Mandela to power.
The Independent Electoral Commission is set to officially declare the results on Sunday, but the ANC’s inability to surpass 50% signals the onset of coalition politics for the first time in South Africa’s history. The ANC, while still the largest party, must seek coalition partners to govern and re-elect President Cyril Ramaphosa for a second term. Parliament has 14 days post-election result declaration to elect a new president.
John Steenhuisen, leader of the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA), celebrated breaking the ANC’s majority as a vital step for South Africa. Julius Malema, head of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), declared that the ANC’s dominance was over.
The ANC now faces complex coalition negotiations, with no clear partner yet. Gwede Mantashe, ANC Chairman, stated, “We can talk to anybody and everybody.” The DA, securing around 21% of the vote, and Zuma’s newly formed MK Party, with just over 14%, are key players. The EFF garnered just over 9%.
The ANC’s vote share collapse is attributed to widespread voter dissatisfaction with unemployment, rolling power cuts, and deteriorating infrastructure. This decline reflects a major shift in the political landscape, with more than 50 parties contesting the election but the three main opposition parties being the most viable coalition candidates.
The electoral commission chairman, Mosotho Moepya, urged calm and leadership. Steenhuisen and Malema both indicated openness to coalition talks, though the MK Party demands Ramaphosa’s removal as a condition for any agreement. This highlights the deep-seated political rivalry between Zuma and Ramaphosa.
An ANC-DA coalition, while appealing to investors, may face significant ideological clashes. Conversely, an ANC-MK-EFF coalition is seen as a “doomsday” scenario due to their radical economic policies, which could deter investors.
Despite the momentous political change, ordinary South Africans expressed concern rather than celebration, wary of the uncertain future. Headlines reflected this sentiment, with one newspaper showing a South African pondering, “What Does It Mean For Our Future?” while another depicted political party logos going into a meat grinder.
South Africa’s challenges are stark: a 32% unemployment rate, high poverty predominantly affecting Black citizens, and rampant violent crime. The ANC’s decline in support, exacerbated by a national electricity crisis causing frequent blackouts, represents a dramatic voter rebuke for failures in governance and public service delivery.
Nearly 28 million were registered to vote, with turnout expected around 60%. Despite logistical challenges like power outages causing delays, the high voter turnout demonstrated a strong desire for change.
As coalition talks commence, South Africa stands at a pivotal juncture, transitioning into a new era of political dynamics that could redefine its future.
