The African National Congress (ANC) has experienced a major setback in the recent elections in South Africa, losing its majority for the first time in 30 years. President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on political parties to work together for the good of the country, as the final results of the election confirmed the ANC’s reduced support. The ANC’s vote share dropped to 40.2 percent, down from 57.5 percent in the previous parliamentary election, with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) taking a significant portion of the votes.
With the ANC winning 159 seats in the 400-seat National Assembly, down from 230 in the previous election, Ramaphosa has emphasized the need for parties to find common ground and act in the best interests of the country. The result has been described as a “victory for democracy,” and the ANC will now need to find a way to form a new government, potentially through partnerships with other parties or as a minority government. The party has reaffirmed its commitment to governing effectively and stabilizing the country.
There have been discussions about the future of Ramaphosa’s leadership within the ANC, with speculation that he may face pressure to step down due to the election result. However, the party’s secretary general, Fikile Mbalula, has stated that there are no plans for Ramaphosa to resign and that the party will focus on forming a stable and effective government. Political parties will have two weeks to negotiate and form alliances before the new parliament convenes to choose a president, who is likely to come from the ANC given its position as the largest party.
Potential alliances between the ANC and other parties have been suggested, with the DA and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) being mentioned as possible partners. The DA could support the ANC in key decisions in exchange for positions in parliament, while the IFP could also play a role in a coalition government. Analysts have pointed out the importance of diverse alliances and the need for effective governance amidst the changing political landscape in South Africa. The ANC’s leadership will meet to plan the way forward and navigate the complexities of forming a new government.
