In the recent South African elections, the African National Congress (ANC), which has governed the country since the end of apartheid in 1994, is on the verge of losing its parliamentary majority.
With 99.51% of the votes counted, the ANC has garnered only 40% of the vote, marking its worst performance in 30 years . To remain in power, the ANC will need to form a coalition with smaller parties .
The president of South Africa is not directly elected but is chosen by parliament, requiring the support of 50% of MPs. The Democratic Alliance (DA), which finished second with 22%, and the MK party led by former President Jacob Zuma, which secured 15%, are potential coalition partners, although significant policy differences and historical tensions complicate these options .
In KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa’s second-largest province, the ANC experienced a significant defeat. The MK party, buoyed by Zuma’s support, won 45% of the vote, displacing the ANC, which dropped to third place with 17%, down from 54% in the 2019 election. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) secured 18% . Despite MK’s lead, they did not achieve an outright majority and are seeking a manual recount to potentially avoid forming a coalition .
ANC KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson Mafika Mndebele acknowledged the party’s loss and indicated ongoing negotiations to form a coalition government in the province . Zuma’s endorsement of MK stemmed from his long-standing conflict with current ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa, who ousted Zuma in 2018 after a bitter internal struggle .
National voter turnout was notably low at nearly 59%, the lowest in South African history . Final results are expected to be announced on Sunday evening .
