Historic Election Loss for ANC Sets Stage for Power Sharing in South Africa.

By Caroline Ameh

Following the conclusion of South Africa’s recent election, the African National Congress (ANC), which has long held power in the country, faces a historic loss of its parliamentary majority, signaling the likelihood of power-sharing arrangements in the government.

With counting completed in over 80% of voting districts, the ANC’s share of the vote stands at 41%, a significant drop from its previous levels of support. Trailing behind are the Democratic Alliance (DA) at 22%, the MK party led by former President Jacob Zuma at 13%, and the EFF at 9%.

Since South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, which saw Nelson Mandela become president, the ANC has consistently polled above 50%. However, dissatisfaction with the party has been growing due to issues such as corruption, unemployment, and crime.

One voter, who had supported the ANC for 30 years, switched to the DA this election, citing frustration with the cost-of-living crisis and frequent power cuts. She expressed a desire to see the ANC out of power altogether.

As it becomes clear that the ANC cannot reach the 50% threshold needed to form a government on its own, the party will need to form a coalition with one or more other parties. However, ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe has indicated that an alliance with the DA is unlikely due to policy differences.

Mantashe emphasized that any potential coalition partner would need to align with the ANC’s black empowerment policies and support the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, which was recently signed into law.

Meanwhile, the DA’s support appears to have grown in this election, with the party regaining votes from both white and black voters who seek an alternative to ANC governance.

DA leader John Steenhuisen has not ruled out the possibility of forming an alliance with the ANC but stressed the importance of non-negotiable principles such as respect for the rule of law, zero tolerance for corruption, and economic policies focused on job creation.

Steenhuisen expressed reluctance to align with parties like the EFF and the MK party, which advocate for controversial policies such as land expropriation without compensation and nationalizing mines.

Former President Jacob Zuma, although suspended from the ANC, remains a member and hinted at the possibility of cooperation with the ANC if leadership changes were made.

Another potential ally for the ANC could be the EFF, led by Julius Malema, with whom the ANC currently forms a coalition in Johannesburg.

With a record 70 parties and 11 independents participating in the election, forming alliances has become crucial for parties aiming to dislodge the ANC from power. Kenya’s former President Uhuru Kenyatta, leading the African Union election observer mission in South Africa, emphasized the importance of focusing on areas of agreement in coalition governments.