In a historic shift, the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority in South Africa’s latest election, marking a significant political change since the end of apartheid 30 years ago. With over 99% of votes counted, the ANC secured just over 40%, falling short of the majority it has maintained since the landmark 1994 election that brought Nelson Mandela to power. The final results are pending formal declaration by the independent electoral commission, expected by Sunday.
Despite remaining the largest party, the ANC will need to form a coalition to continue governing and to reelect President Cyril Ramaphosa for a second term. Opposition parties have celebrated this outcome as a critical breakthrough for a nation grappling with poverty and inequality. The results indicate a new political era in South Africa, as the ANC, which has dominated the country’s politics for decades, must now seek alliances to sustain its leadership.
