Opposition Parties End Ruling ANC’s Dominance Of Parliament 

In a historic election upset, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) has lost its 30-year grip on an outright majority in parliament.

According to official results announced by the Independent Electoral Commission, the ANC secured only 40% of the vote, winning 159 seats in the 400-seat National Assembly.

The centre-right Democratic Alliance (DA) followed closely with 22% of the vote and 87 seats, while the newly-formed uMkonto weSizwe party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, captured 14.59% of the votes and 58 seats.

This election marks a significant shift in South Africa’s political landscape, as the ANC’s majority has been unchallenged since the end of apartheid in 1994. President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged the election outcome, emphasizing the importance of respecting the electorate’s decision.

“The people of South Africa have spoken, and we must respect their wishes,” Ramaphosa said. “As leaders, we must put aside our differences and work together to build a better future for our country.”

The DA leader, John Steenhuisen, signaled his readiness to negotiate a coalition government with the ANC and other parties, aiming to prevent Zuma’s potential return to power.

“We must protect South Africa from a return to the corrupt and authoritarian rule of the past,” Steenhuisen said. “We will work with all parties to build a government that serves the people, not just the interests of a few.”

The election results reflect the growing discontent among South Africans with the ANC’s handling of the economy, corruption, and inequality. The country’s economy has struggled in recent years, with high unemployment and poverty rates.

The uMkonto weSizwe party’s strong showing is seen as a surprise, given its formation just months before the election. The party’s leader, Jacob Zuma, has been accused of corruption and has faced numerous legal battles.

Zuma’s party has denounced the election as rigged and refused to participate in the results announcement. However, international observers have declared the election free and fair.

The election outcome sets the stage for coalition governance in South Africa for the first time since the end of apartheid.

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