South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) is facing the possibility of losing its parliamentary majority for the first time following a recent election that saw a significant decline in support for the party. With over 97% of votes counted, the ANC has garnered just over 40% of the vote, a substantial drop from its previous dominance in South African politics.
The ANC, which has been the leading political party in South Africa for the past three decades, is now on the verge of having to negotiate a coalition government with other parties to maintain its position. This outcome could have implications for the future of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is closely associated with the legacy of Nelson Mandela.
As the final election results are expected to be declared soon, the focus has shifted to potential coalition partners for the ANC. With more than 50 parties participating in the election, the ANC may need to engage with one of the three main opposition parties - the Democratic Alliance, the MK Party, or the Economic Freedom Fighters - to secure a coalition.
The election results reflect a desire for change among South African voters, who have expressed dissatisfaction with the ANC's governance amid widespread poverty, high unemployment rates, and inadequate government services. The country's official unemployment rate stands at 32%, with significant disparities affecting the Black population, who have historically been the core supporters of the ANC.
While the ANC's potential loss of a parliamentary majority marks a significant shift in South African politics, it also presents an opportunity for new directions and policies to address the country's socio-economic challenges. The outcome of coalition negotiations and the future leadership of South Africa will be closely watched in the coming days.
