Partial outcome: Notable defeats for ANC in South Africa's legislative polls
The most powerful force so far, as per the early findings, is the left-leaning Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) led by ex-ANC member Julius Malema, who garnered nine percent. Right behind them is the MK party from former President and ANC chairperson Jacob Zuma with an eight percent share.
The initial results haven't incorporated findings from significant metropolises like Johannesburg and Durban, as explained by the Electoral Commission. The conclusive figures will be calculated by the weekend. These preliminary reports align with experts' tips and survey results from recent weeks.
Political analyst Daniel Silke stated, "The ANC has received a severe jolt. It's a surprise for the ANC system and will ultimately also be a shock for the average South African, who has known only ANC rule since 1994." The election has significantly reshaped the political landscape of South Africa and spawned a certain sense of confusion, he added.
If President Cyril Ramaphosa falls short of a 50% majority, he'd have to seek out coalition partners to be re-elected and tasked with government formation. This would represent a historic turning point in the nation's history, which witnessed its first free, democratic elections in 1994.
Although the ANC has a respected status after dismantling segregation and ending white minority rule, its social and economic policies aimed at uplifting the black majority have successfully lifted millions of black families out of poverty.
However, ongoing corruption scandals involving ANC leadership, high unemployment, a struggling economy, elevated crime rates, unbalanced distribution of wealth, and frequent power outages have caused many South Africans to disassociate from the ruling party.
Over 27.6 million voters were urged on Wednesday to cast their votes in favor of the composition of the 400-seat parliament, which will later determine the new president in June.
In several voting districts, people spent hours waiting in line, while others had to keep polling stations open longer than planned. This prolonged wait was the result of excessive voter turnout and late city dwellers reaching the polls, according to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The overall turnout is predicted to surpass the 66% from 2019.
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