The African National Congress (ANC) has lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid 30 years ago, marking a significant shift in South Africa’s political landscape.
With nearly all votes counted from Wednesday’s election, the ANC secured around 40% of the vote. This is a significant drop from the majority it has maintained since Nelson Mandela’s historic victory in 1994.
The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), garnered 21.63% of the vote. Meanwhile, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), a new party led by former ANC president Jacob Zuma, captured 14.71%, drawing voters away from the ANC.
ANC chairperson and Mines and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe indicated that the party is open to coalition talks but did not specify potential partners.
As of last night, with 99.53% of polling stations reporting, the ANC stood at 40.21%. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by former ANC youth leader Julius Malema, received 9.48% of the vote.
Malema mentioned that the EFF plans to negotiate with the ANC about forming a coalition, although this alone won’t secure a majority.
Final results are pending formal announcement by the Independent Electoral Commission, but it is evident the ANC will not surpass 50%.
The ANC, which has dominated national elections since 1994, has seen its support steadily decline over the past decade.
Positive Eye News
