The African National Congress (ANC) party suffered a historic setback in Saturday’s election, losing its parliamentary majority and signalling a significant shift in South Africa‘s political landscape for the first time since the end of the apartheid regime 30 years ago.
With over 99% of votes tallied, the once-dominant ANC garnered slightly over 40% in Wednesday’s election, falling considerably short of the majority it had maintained since the landmark all-race vote of 1994, which marked the end of apartheid and ushered it into power during Nelson Mandela’s tenure.
The final results await formal declaration by the independent electoral commission overseeing the election, but it’s evident that the ANC will not secure a majority exceeding 50%.
Initially, the commission had stated its intention to formally announce the results by Sunday, although this may occur sooner.
While opposition parties have celebrated the outcome as a significant breakthrough for a nation grappling with profound poverty and inequality, the ANC remains the largest party by a considerable margin. Nevertheless, it is now likely to seek coalition partners to sustain its governance and secure the re-election of President Cyril Ramaphosa for a second and final term.
Parliament is responsible for electing the South African president subsequent to national elections.