South Africa Election: ANC Drops Below Majority

South Africa’s recent national election marks a significant moment as the African National Congress (ANC) has, for the first time since its 1994 victory, lost its majority. With just over 16% of votes tallied and announced, the final results have the potential to instigate a major political shift in the nation’s fledgling democracy.

The electoral commission anticipated a 70% voter turnout, an increase from the 66% recorded in the previous 2019 national election. This election served as a clear gauge of public opinion on the unbroken three-decade reign of the ANC, which brought an end to South Africa’s oppressive, racist apartheid regime in 1994. This year may signify a turning point as a substantial number of South Africans seem poised to distance themselves from the ANC, potentially depriving it of a majority for the first time.

Despite the political opposition being dispersed across several parties, the ANC is still widely predicted to retain its status as the largest party and hold the most seats in Parliament. Should its vote share dip below 50% for the first time, forming a coalition to sustain governance might become necessary, along with securing agreements to support Ramaphosa’s reelection.

During national elections, South African voters align with parties, and the MK Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, has switched allegiance from the ANC, exacerbating their decline in support. Concerns about ANC corruption scandals and deficiencies in essential government services have been highlighted by voters as their primary grievances.