The African National Congress (ANC) has lost its parliamentary majority in South Africa, marking a historic shift in the country’s political landscape for the first time since the end of apartheid 30 years ago. With 99% of the votes counted from Wednesday’s election, the ANC has secured just over 40%, significantly below the 50% threshold needed to maintain a majority. The independent electoral commission is expected to formally declare the final results soon, possibly by Sunday. Despite losing its majority, the ANC remains the largest party, but this result signifies a major change from the dominance it has held since Nelson Mandela’s 1994 election victory.
Opposition parties have celebrated the outcome as a significant breakthrough for a nation grappling with severe poverty and inequality. The ANC will now likely need to seek coalition partners to stay in government and reelect President Cyril Ramaphosa for a second term. Parliament is responsible for electing the South African president following national elections.
“The way to rescue South Africa is to break the ANC’s majority, and we have done that,” stated John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance, which garnered around 21% of the vote. This pivotal election result signals a potential shift in South Africa’s political dynamics and governance.
