Voting takes place. - Disaster for ANC in South Africa: conclusion on Sunday
Sunday night, the South African Electoral Commission will reveal the conclusive outcomes of the parliamentary polls. As stated by Mosotho Moepya, Electoral Commission's chairperson, they've tallied all the votes and currently have 100% of them counted. Although there are still a few objections to be addressed, the outcomes could see slight tweaks. At present, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has lost their absolute majority - a feat not witnessed in three decades. As per the stats available on the commission's website, the ANC holds 40.19% of the votes (from 99.87%).
For the first time, the ANC, previously led by anti-apartheid warrior Nelson Mandela, must build a coalition following 30 years of independent governance. Having won absolute majorities since democracy's inception in 1994 and controlling the continent's strongest economy, ANC maintained a solo rule.
Ranking second was the economically liberal Democratic Alliance (DA), with 21.8%. A newcomer on the scene, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), which was established by ex-president Jacob Zuma six months ago, amassed 14.58% of the votes. Right behind is the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), whose views align with Marxism, with 9.5%.
Initially, 52 political parties vied for the 400 parliamentary slots in the May 29th election. After the results are declared, the freshly selected Parliament should form a new government within two weeks and opt for a new head of state.
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The electoral authority in South Africa is expected to announce the final result of the parliamentary election on Sunday night, indicating a debacle for the ANC, who have lost their absolute majority after 30 years of independent governance. The DA, known for its economically liberal stance, came second with 21.8% of the votes, while the newcomer MK, established by former president Jacob Zuma, garnered 14.58%. The Economic Freedom Fighters, aligned with Marxist views, secured 9.5% of the votes. With the results revealing a significant shift in power, the ANC will now need to build a coalition, a task they have not faced in three decades. The new Parliament, set to be formed within two weeks, will elect a new head of state, marking a new chapter in South Africa's political landscape.
