Watch top headlines of the hour: - Indian PM Modi claims victory | I.N.D.I.A to discuss road ahead tomorrow: Rahul Gandhi - BJP loses Ayodhya's Faizabad seat - I.N.D.I.A to discuss road ahead tomorrow: Rahul - Big gains for Congress in Kerala, leads in 14 of 20 seats - Modi has lost credibility, must resign as PM: Mamata Banerjee - Results show people want Modi out: Rahul Gandhi

Headlines: Indian PM Modi claims victory | I.N.D.I.A to discuss road ahead tomorrow: Rahul Gandhi

All eyes are on Lok Sabha (General Election) 2024 verdict as India readies to welcome its new government. The results of this crucial and giant elections will determine the political landscape of the world's largest democracy for the next five years. However, the exit polls this time went horribly wrong & the predictions weren't any close to accurate. Let's take a look at this development. Watch in for more details! #loksabhaelection2024 #exitpolls #indiaelectionresult

India Election Results 2024: Exit poll predictions take a beating like never before

UP voted in all seven phases of the Lok Sabha elections. In a big upset for the ruling party, a resurgent Samajwadi Party is leading in 38 seats, while the Congress which contested only 17 seats is ahead in seven. The BJP is leading in 31 seats.

India Election Results: Amethi: Congress candidate Kishori Lal Sharma beats Smriti Irani

In Maharashtra, the situation is not looking good for the ruling three-party Mahayuti alliance including BJP, as the opposition alliance, Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) which includes Congress is leading in 28 seats across the west Indian state as counting continued on Tuesday (June 4).

India Election Results | Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi sweeps in Mumbai, leading in 5 of 6 seats

All eyes are on Lok Sabha (General Election) 2024 verdict as India readies to welcome its new government. The results of this crucial and giant elections will determine the political landscape of the world's largest democracy for the next five years. However, the exit polls this time went horribly wrong & the predictions weren't any close to accurate. Let's take a look at this development. Watch in for more details!

India Election Results 2024: Most Exit Poll predictions go wide off the mark again

Watch top headlines of the hour: - BJP loses Ayodhya's Faizabad seat - I.N.D.I.A to discuss road ahead tomorrow: Rahul - Big gains for Congress in Kerala, leads in 14 of 20 seats - Modi has lost credibility, must resign as PM: Mamata Banerjee

Headlines | BJP loses Ayodhya's Faizabad seat | I.N.D.I.A to discuss road ahead tomorrow: Rahul

All eyes are on Lok Sabha (General Election) 2024 verdict as India readies to welcome its new government. Let's take a look at the big political faces who have either conceded defeat or are trailing in their constituencies. The results of this crucial and giant elections will determine the political landscape of the world's largest democracy for the next five years.

India Election Results: BJP's Rajeev Chandrasekhar trails behind Congress' Shashi Tharoor

Focus on India Election Results 2024: Let's begin with the bloodbath in Indian stocks and why the election result show Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bhartiya Janata Party led alliance leading in 300 seats. The Lok Sabha Election result wreaked havoc on the Indian stock market. The exit polls predicted a landslide win for the NDA in the Lok Sabha Elections. However, the early trends reflected a close competition between NDA & the I.N.D.I.A alliance. Here's a look at the markets and how they preformed. Watch in for more details!

India Election Results 2024: Indian stock indices mark their worst fall since March 2020

The exit polls predicted a major surprise in the state of West Bengal for the ruling Trinamool Congress party. But the results came as a big surprise, the Trinamool party in the state led by CM Mamata Banerjee went on to lead in 31 seats, meanwhile BJP's performance dipped. Watch in for more details!

India Election Results 2024: Mamata Banerjee's TMC defies exit polls to secure Bengal bastion

Focus on India Election Results 2024: Let's begin with the bloodbath in Indian stocks and why the election result show Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bhartiya Janata Party led alliance leading in 300 seats. The Lok Sabha Election result wreaked havoc on the Indian stock market. The exit polls predicted a landslide win for the NDA in the Lok Sabha Elections. However, the early trends reflected a close competition between NDA & the I.N.D.I.A alliance. Here's a look at the markets and how they preformed. WION's Eric Njoka discusses this development and future predictions for the Indian stock market with Professor Vikas Singh, Economist & Author. Watch in for more details!

India Election Results 2024: India's market tumble as election much tighter than forecast |

Vote counting is currently underway in India's general elections 2024. The early trends show the BJP in a tight spot as it is seen falling short of the majority mark on its own. Watch this video for all details.

India Elections 2024: Chandrababu Naidu & Nitish Kumar to play kingmakers for Modi?

Celebrations began at BJP HQ in Delhi. People were seen dancing to the beats of drums. The BJP is all set for a Lok Sabha poll win.

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Indian markets after exit polls show a resounding victory for the ruling party. Benchmark stock indices opened strongly, with new highs in sight. Watch in for more details!

Gravitas | India Elections 2024: Exit Polls give respite from recent market volatility

Not only 1.3 billion Indians but the world eagerly awaits the results from the biggest election exercise undertaken on the face of the Earth. For the first time ever India's poll body has conducted a press conference right before the election results. India's Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar highlighted several historic milestones. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: EC accepts complaints from INDIA bloc, but says some pushing false narratives

India's mammoth Lok Sabha elections concluded Saturday (June 1) with the end of the phase 7 polls, and now the country is eagerly waiting for the verdict to be announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday (Jun 4). Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: All eyes on India's electoral mandate on June 4

Claudia Sheinbaum won a landslide victory to become Mexico's first female president in the country's 200-year history. Claudia Sheinbaum is an environmental scientist and former mayor of Mexico City. Watch in for more details!

Mexico Elections 2024: Claudia Sheinbaum secures landslide victory

There's more trouble for the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as his Tory party now faces accusations of levelling up funds to steer votes. Watch to know more!

UK: Tories accused of levelling up funding bias

After 30 years of dominance, the ANC faces its toughest election yet as i loses majority, gets down to 40% with 99% of votes counted. Watch to know more.

South Africa: Nelson's Mandela's party sees thirty-year dominance shattered

As India awaits the outcome of the 18th Lok Sabha Election on Tuesday (June 4), the nation is reflecting on its electoral history marked by triumphs and defeats of political parties.&nbsp;

Congress once reigned supreme in Indian politics. The party commanded the allegiance of millions across the nation.

However, later the winds of change began to blow. In the 1996 Lok Sabha election, BJP emerged India's largest political party&nbsp;under the dynamic leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.&nbsp;

Current Prime Minister Narendra Modi of Bharatiya Janata Party capitalised on a platform of economic pledges and nationalist fervour. Riding this wave, the BJP swiftly rose to prominence and clinched a resounding victory with a full majority in the general elections in 2014.

Since India's independence in 1947, the Lok Sabha elections have been a cornerstone of the nation's democratic process. As the 18th Lok Sabha Election results loom, let's journey through the victories and defeats of past elections:&nbsp;

1951-52: Inaugural victory

The Congress party, under Jawaharlal Nehru's leadership, clinched the first Lok Sabha election. The party secured a dominant 364 seats out of 489. Even as there were logistical hurdles of orchestrating elections in a vast and diverse nation like India, voter turnout remained high. With a staggering 17.32 crore registered electors, the turnout stood at 45.67 per cent.

1957: Congress continues dominance

Nehru's Congress continued its reign and won 371 seats out of 494. It maintained its stronghold on Indian politics. The voter percentage in this poll was&nbsp;47.54.&nbsp;During the elections of 1951-52 and 1957, the ballot papers, typically printed on large sheets of paper, listed the candidates contesting the election along with their respective party symbols.

1962: Congress under Nehru's legacy

The Congress party, still under Nehru's stewardship, retained power with 361 seats out of 494. A total of 1,985 candidates threw their hats into the electoral ring, as 55.43 per cent of the 21.63 crore electors exercised their franchise. This was a significant increase from the 47.54 per cent turnout recorded in the 1957 elections.&nbsp;

1967: Indira Gandhi's ascension

Indira Gandhi led Congress secured 283 seats out of 520. This marked her emergence onto the national political stage. The voter turnout was&nbsp;61.04 per cent.&nbsp;

1971: Congress solidifies its position&nbsp;

Under Indira Gandhi's leadership, Congress garnered 352 seats out of 518 in the fifth general elections. It solidified its position in Indian politics.&nbsp;Led by Indira Gandhi, Congress spearheaded a campaign centered on poverty reduction. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) emerged as the second-largest party in the House, securing 25 seats.

1977: Congress dethroned

The opposition fought under the&nbsp;Janata alliance while using the symbol allocated to Bharatiya Lok Dal as their symbol on the ballot papers&nbsp;and emerged victorious. This marked the first defeat of Congress on the national stage.&nbsp;India's 1977 elections were a historic moment as it was a turning point after the Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

These elections saw a resurgence of democratic fervor and a strong anti-incumbency sentiment against the Congress party. The coalition of opposition parties, emerged as a formidable force, rallying under the leadership of veteran politicians such as Jayaprakash Narayan and Morarji Desai.

1980: Congress returns

Indira Gandhi's Congress staged a comeback by securing 353 seats out of 529 and reclaiming its dominance. The winner voting percentage was 42.7.&nbsp;

1984: Congress triumph amid tragedy

Following Indira Gandhi's assassination, Congress, led by Rajiv Gandhi, secured a historic mandate with 404 seats out of 514.

1991: Congress under&nbsp;Narasimha Rao

Under PV Narasimha Rao's leadership, Congress faced challenges but still managed to secure 232 seats out of 521.&nbsp;Vote percentage of winner was 36.3. BJP was the second-largest party by winning a total of 120 seats.&nbsp;

1996: BJP's Emergence

Atal Bihari Vajpayee's BJP emerged by winning 161 seats out of 543. Congress lagged behind on second spot by securing 140 seats.&nbsp;

1998-1999: BJP's ascendancy 
The seat share for BJP increased under Vajpayee's leadership. This time BJP secured 182 seats in both elections.

2004: Congress revival 
The Congress party, led by Sonia Gandhi, returned to power, forming the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) after securing 145 seats. In these elections, EVMs were used for voting in Indian elections in all constituencies, marking the end of the era of paper ballots in Indian electoral processes.

2009: Congress retains power

Under Manmohan Singh's leadership, Congress secured 206 seats and maintained its hold on governance.&nbsp;Led by Singh and Sonia Gandhi, the Congress party campaigned on the promise of economic stability.

2014: BJP's landslide victory

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP secured a historic win with 282 seats. This was a clear shift in Indian politics.&nbsp;Modi's charisma, coupled with the party's aggressive outreach and social media strategy, struck a chord with voters across the nation.

2019: BJP's continued dominance

Modi's BJP secured a resounding victory yet again in 2019 Lok Sabha elections by capturing 303 seats out of 543.&nbsp;The party's messaging resonated deeply with voters with schemes such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

As India awaits the outcome of the 18th Lok Sabha Election on Tuesday (June 4), the nation is reflecting on its electoral history marked by triumphs and defeats of political parties.

As India awaits the outcome of the 18th Lok Sabha Election on Tuesday (June 4), the nation is reflecting on its electoral history marked by triumphs and defeats of political parties. Congress once reigned supreme in Indian politics. The party commanded the allegiance of millions across the nation. However, later the winds of change began to blow. In the 1996 Lok Sabha election, BJP emerged India's largest political party under the dynamic leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Current Prime Minister Narendra Modi of Bharatiya Janata Party capitalised on a platform of economic pledges and nationalist fervour. Riding this wave, the BJP swiftly rose to prominence and clinched a resounding victory with a full majority in the general elections in 2014. Since India's independence in 1947, the Lok Sabha elections have been a cornerstone of the nation's democratic process. As the 18th Lok Sabha Election results loom, let's journey through the victories and defeats of past elections: 1951-52: Inaugural victory The Congress party, under Jawaharlal Nehru's leadership, clinched the first Lok Sabha election. The party secured a dominant 364 seats out of 489. Even as there were logistical hurdles of orchestrating elections in a vast and diverse nation like India, voter turnout remained high. With a staggering 17.32 crore registered electors, the turnout stood at 45.67 per cent. 1957: Congress continues dominance Nehru's Congress continued its reign and won 371 seats out of 494. It maintained its stronghold on Indian politics. The voter percentage in this poll was 47.54. During the elections of 1951-52 and 1957, the ballot papers, typically printed on large sheets of paper, listed the candidates contesting the election along with their respective party symbols. 1962: Congress under Nehru's legacy The Congress party, still under Nehru's stewardship, retained power with 361 seats out of 494. A total of 1,985 candidates threw their hats into the electoral ring, as 55.43 per cent of the 21.63 crore electors exercised their franchise. This was a significant increase from the 47.54 per cent turnout recorded in the 1957 elections. 1967: Indira Gandhi's ascension Indira Gandhi led Congress secured 283 seats out of 520. This marked her emergence onto the national political stage. The voter turnout was 61.04 per cent. 1971: Congress solidifies its position Under Indira Gandhi's leadership, Congress garnered 352 seats out of 518 in the fifth general elections. It solidified its position in Indian politics. Led by Indira Gandhi, Congress spearheaded a campaign centered on poverty reduction. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) emerged as the second-largest party in the House, securing 25 seats. 1977: Congress dethroned The opposition fought under the Janata alliance while using the symbol allocated to Bharatiya Lok Dal as their symbol on the ballot papers and emerged victorious. This marked the first defeat of Congress on the national stage. India's 1977 elections were a historic moment as it was a turning point after the Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. These elections saw a resurgence of democratic fervor and a strong anti-incumbency sentiment against the Congress party. The coalition of opposition parties, emerged as a formidable force, rallying under the leadership of veteran politicians such as Jayaprakash Narayan and Morarji Desai. 1980: Congress returns Indira Gandhi's Congress staged a comeback by securing 353 seats out of 529 and reclaiming its dominance. The winner voting percentage was 42.7. 1984: Congress triumph amid tragedy Following Indira Gandhi's assassination, Congress, led by Rajiv Gandhi, secured a historic mandate with 404 seats out of 514. 1991: Congress under Narasimha Rao Under PV Narasimha Rao's leadership, Congress faced challenges but still managed to secure 232 seats out of 521. Vote percentage of winner was 36.3. BJP was the second-largest party by winning a total of 120 seats. 1996: BJP's Emergence Atal Bihari Vajpayee's BJP emerged by winning 161 seats out of 543. Congress lagged behind on second spot by securing 140 seats. 1998-1999: BJP's ascendancy The seat share for BJP increased under Vajpayee's leadership. This time BJP secured 182 seats in both elections. 2004: Congress revival The Congress party, led by Sonia Gandhi, returned to power, forming the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) after securing 145 seats. In these elections, EVMs were used for voting in Indian elections in all constituencies, marking the end of the era of paper ballots in Indian electoral processes. 2009: Congress retains power Under Manmohan Singh's leadership, Congress secured 206 seats and maintained its hold on governance. Led by Singh and Sonia Gandhi, the Congress party campaigned on the promise of economic stability. 2014: BJP's landslide victory Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP secured a historic win with 282 seats. This was a clear shift in Indian politics. Modi's charisma, coupled with the party's aggressive outreach and social media strategy, struck a chord with voters across the nation. 2019: BJP's continued dominance Modi's BJP secured a resounding victory yet again in 2019 Lok Sabha elections by capturing 303 seats out of 543. The party's messaging resonated deeply with voters with schemes such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. (With inputs from agencies)

Tracing India’s electoral history: Who won and who lost in last 17 Lok Sabha elections?

South Africa: Election results: Historic slump for the ruling party

India General Elections 2024: Postal ballot votes to be counted before EVM votes: ECI

Exit polls show a resounding victory for the ruling party. Benchmark stock indices opened strongly, with new highs in sight. India's stock rally hinges on Modi bettering 303-seat tally. Watch in for more details!

India General Elections 2024: Exit Polls give respite from recent stock market volatility

Iran's hardline former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has registered to run for president in the country's June 28 election being held after the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash last month, Iran's state television reported on Sunday.

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Not only 1.3 billion Indians but the world eagerly awaits the results from the biggest election exercise undertaken on the face of the Earth. For the first time ever India's poll body has conducted a press conference right before the election results. India's Chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar highlighted several historic milestones. Watch in for more details!

India Elections 2024: Total voters exceeded G7 nations' populations: ECI

People are standing in queues to cast their votes in West Bengal. EC ordered a repoll in two booths in West Bengal. One in Deganga under Barasat Lok Sabha constituency and the other in Kakdwip under Mathurapur constituency. The repoll will be conducted from 7 AM to 6 PM on June 3.

Lok Sabha elections 2024: Why is repolling going on in two of West Bengal's booths? |

After 30 years of dominance, the ANC faces its toughest election yet as it loses majority, gets down to 40% with 99% of votes counted. Watch to know more.

South Africa Elections Results 2024: Historic slump for South Africa's ANC

Indian shares set records, the rupee gained and bond yields dropped in Monday's opening trade. This after exit polls pointed to a third term and sizable mandate for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Watch this video for all details.

How is India's stock market reacting to exit polls predicting big win for Modi?

India will hike road toll charges across the country by 3-5% from Monday. This after putting the annual increase on hold in April due to the country's general elections.

Why is India increasing road toll charges?

As an influential regional power, Africa’s largest economy, and a nation with an activist foreign policy, South Africa commands global attention. It will assume the G20 presidency later this year, hosting the summit in 2025. This explains why the recent elections for the provincial legislatures and the National Assembly which will elect a new president, drew notice around the world. &nbsp;

<h2>Backdrop &nbsp;</h2>

On 29 May, South Africa went to the polls amidst widespread discontent against the African National Congress (ANC), the ruling party at the national level and in all provinces except one since 1994 when a new democratic and post-apartheid nation emerged. Opinion polls and political pundits predicted that the party would receive a serious setback, losing a clear majority (of over 50pc) in the National Assembly, for the first time. This is exactly what has happened as nearly all votes were counted by 1 June. The formal declaration of the results by the Independent Election Commission (IEC) takes place shortly. &nbsp;

Optimists in the ANC including Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, hoped that their passionate appeal for another opportunity could be heeded by the people, still enamoured of the party’s stellar role in creating a ‘rainbow nation’ under the legendary leadership of Nelson Mandela. But 30 years down the line, the people, suffering from a diversity of economic hardships, unemployment, poverty, inequality, corruption, and crime, concluded that it was now time for a change. The ANC’s “entitlement of being the sole dominant party” was over, stressed a political leader. &nbsp;

What do the results of the elections, where the voter turnout was 59 per cent&nbsp;portend for the nation and beyond?&nbsp;

<h2>The results &nbsp;</h2>

The ANC won a clear majority in all previous elections for the National Assembly. It secured 62 per cent&nbsp;of the total votes cast in 1994 when Mandela was elected as the president. In 2009, the party landed at the highest level &nbsp;– &nbsp;77 per cent of the votes cast, which saw Jacob Zuma succeed Thabo Mbeki as the president. In the last elections held in 2019, the Ramaphosa-led party came down to 66 per cent. Now, in 2024, the ANC has hit its lowest level of national votes – 40.10 per cent. &nbsp;

The next four parties in terms of political strength now are the Democratic Alliance (DA) at 21.51 per cent; &nbsp;uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) at 14.38 per cent; Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) at 9.51 per cent; and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) at 3.8 per cent. The DA, traditionally seen as the party of whites, has doubled its base among blacks and has the backing of whites, Indians and coloureds. The MKP is, in effect, led by former President Jacob Zuma whose rebellion against the ANC leadership became a major factor in the ANC’s humiliating performance. The EFF is led by Julius Malema, the 43-year-old dynamic leader whose expulsion from the ANC in 2012 put him on an independent path advocating a leftist ideology and greater state control over the economy. &nbsp;

Of the nine provinces of South Africa, the ANC has won comfortable majorities in five and is close to 50pc in the province of Northern Cape. One province – Western Cape – will stay under the control of the DA. &nbsp;In two other provinces, the ANC faces serious hazards. In KwaZulu-Natal, Zuma’s MKP has emerged as the largest party with 45pc and could form a non-ANC coalition government. In Gauteng, EFF has done well enough to claim a share of power by attempting a coalition with the ANC which secured only 34.7 per cent. &nbsp;

<h2>National Assembly, four scenarios &nbsp;</h2>

South African domain experts consulted by this author have pointed to considerable uncertainty about the composition of the next national government. Informal discussions within the ANC and between it and the other political parties have already begun. The coming days will bring clarity as to which of the likely four scenarios, delineated below, may win substantive political consensus. &nbsp;

One, the ANC and the DA may consider forming a coalition government. Their combined strength will be a guarantee for stability. But in a country where racial divide remains a potent factor, the notion of ANC collaborating with ‘the party of whites’ may largely be unpalatable. The DA, however, seems willing to work with the ANC for it has everything to gain by sharing power. However, it will insist on various conditions and consulting the pre-election alliance of its partners, as indicated by the party leadership. &nbsp;

Two, the ANC and the EFF, together with a couple of smaller parties, could be partners in a coalition government. Malema has already indicated his interest in sharing power and becoming the next finance minister. An analyst argued that Malema “could potentially become a kingmaker or even deputy president.” But his leftist leanings will be a negative factor.&nbsp;

Three, ANC factions opposed to President Ramaphosa may be inclined to accept the support of Zuma’s MKP, but this is certain to be opposed strongly by the Ramaphosa camp. Some experts have been citing the possibility of the elevation of Deputy President Paul Mashatile as president, since he may be more acceptable to Zuma. &nbsp;

Four, there exists the possibility of ‘a minority government’ formed by the ANC, with the outside support of DA and one or two other parties. This will require a formal pact that prescribes a set of agreed policies and distribution of prestigious positions like the speaker of the National Assembly and committee chairs to the DA and other parties. &nbsp;

<h2>Conclusion&nbsp;</h2>

The National Assembly is due to meet within 14 days after the declaration of the result. &nbsp;

In respect of the above-mentioned scenarios, the central actor will still be the ANC. Its leaders will need to stay united and choose a partner or partners through consensus. ANC Chair Gwede Mantashe said, “We can talk to anybody and everybody.” &nbsp;

Further, President Ramaphosa continues to be a pivotal actor in the tense political drama unfolding now. He has the public persona as Mandela’s mentee and enjoys personal popularity among a large section of South Africans as well as international visibility, even though they have expressed an obvious lack of confidence in his stewardship. The question is whether his personal traits and political acumen will help him overcome the party’s unpopularity, thus enabling him to remain at the helm. On the answer to this question will depend the range of changes that the next government may introduce in the nation’s social, economic and foreign policies. So, the big question is whether Ramaphosa will stay or call it a day.&nbsp;

IEC Chair Mosotho Moepya wisely advised the nation, “This is a moment to manage and manage well.” &nbsp;

At a press briefing earlier today, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula stated that the party has heard the people’s message. It is committed to the formation of a government “that reflects the will of the people, that is stable, and that is able to govern effectively.” But he also conveyed ANC’s rejection of the demand by other parties for President Ramaphosa to step down as a condition for forming a coalition, terming it as “a no-go area.”&nbsp;

In sum, after the elections, political stakes have become higher, and the task of government formation has become more complex than South Africa experienced ever before. The suspense continues. &nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

&nbsp;

As an influential regional power, Africa’s largest economy, and a nation with an activist foreign policy, South Africa commands global attention. It will assume the G20 presidency later this year, hosting the summit in 2025.

As an influential regional power, Africa’s largest economy, and a nation with an activist foreign policy, South Africa commands global attention. It will assume the G20 presidency later this year, hosting the summit in 2025. This explains why the recent elections for the provincial legislatures and the National Assembly which will elect a new president, drew notice around the world. Backdrop On 29 May, South Africa went to the polls amidst widespread discontent against the African National Congress (ANC), the ruling party at the national level and in all provinces except one since 1994 when a new democratic and post-apartheid nation emerged. Opinion polls and political pundits predicted that the party would receive a serious setback, losing a clear majority (of over 50pc) in the National Assembly, for the first time. This is exactly what has happened as nearly all votes were counted by 1 June. The formal declaration of the results by the Independent Election Commission (IEC) takes place shortly. Optimists in the ANC including Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, hoped that their passionate appeal for another opportunity could be heeded by the people, still enamoured of the party’s stellar role in creating a ‘rainbow nation’ under the legendary leadership of Nelson Mandela. But 30 years down the line, the people, suffering from a diversity of economic hardships, unemployment, poverty, inequality, corruption, and crime, concluded that it was now time for a change. The ANC’s “entitlement of being the sole dominant party” was over, stressed a political leader. What do the results of the elections, where the voter turnout was 59 per cent portend for the nation and beyond? The results The ANC won a clear majority in all previous elections for the National Assembly. It secured 62 per cent of the total votes cast in 1994 when Mandela was elected as the president. In 2009, the party landed at the highest level – 77 per cent of the votes cast, which saw Jacob Zuma succeed Thabo Mbeki as the president. In the last elections held in 2019, the Ramaphosa-led party came down to 66 per cent. Now, in 2024, the ANC has hit its lowest level of national votes – 40.10 per cent. The next four parties in terms of political strength now are the Democratic Alliance (DA) at 21.51 per cent; uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) at 14.38 per cent; Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) at 9.51 per cent; and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) at 3.8 per cent. The DA, traditionally seen as the party of whites, has doubled its base among blacks and has the backing of whites, Indians and coloureds. The MKP is, in effect, led by former President Jacob Zuma whose rebellion against the ANC leadership became a major factor in the ANC’s humiliating performance. The EFF is led by Julius Malema, the 43-year-old dynamic leader whose expulsion from the ANC in 2012 put him on an independent path advocating a leftist ideology and greater state control over the economy. Of the nine provinces of South Africa, the ANC has won comfortable majorities in five and is close to 50pc in the province of Northern Cape. One province – Western Cape – will stay under the control of the DA. In two other provinces, the ANC faces serious hazards. In KwaZulu-Natal, Zuma’s MKP has emerged as the largest party with 45pc and could form a non-ANC coalition government. In Gauteng, EFF has done well enough to claim a share of power by attempting a coalition with the ANC which secured only 34.7 per cent. National Assembly, four scenarios South African domain experts consulted by this author have pointed to considerable uncertainty about the composition of the next national government. Informal discussions within the ANC and between it and the other political parties have already begun. The coming days will bring clarity as to which of the likely four scenarios, delineated below, may win substantive political consensus. One, the ANC and the DA may consider forming a coalition government. Their combined strength will be a guarantee for stability. But in a country where racial divide remains a potent factor, the notion of ANC collaborating with ‘the party of whites’ may largely be unpalatable. The DA, however, seems willing to work with the ANC for it has everything to gain by sharing power. However, it will insist on various conditions and consulting the pre-election alliance of its partners, as indicated by the party leadership. Two, the ANC and the EFF, together with a couple of smaller parties, could be partners in a coalition government. Malema has already indicated his interest in sharing power and becoming the next finance minister. An analyst argued that Malema “could potentially become a kingmaker or even deputy president.” But his leftist leanings will be a negative factor. Three, ANC factions opposed to President Ramaphosa may be inclined to accept the support of Zuma’s MKP, but this is certain to be opposed strongly by the Ramaphosa camp. Some experts have been citing the possibility of the elevation of Deputy President Paul Mashatile as president, since he may be more acceptable to Zuma. Four, there exists the possibility of ‘a minority government’ formed by the ANC, with the outside support of DA and one or two other parties. This will require a formal pact that prescribes a set of agreed policies and distribution of prestigious positions like the speaker of the National Assembly and committee chairs to the DA and other parties. Conclusion The National Assembly is due to meet within 14 days after the declaration of the result. In respect of the above-mentioned scenarios, the central actor will still be the ANC. Its leaders will need to stay united and choose a partner or partners through consensus. ANC Chair Gwede Mantashe said, “We can talk to anybody and everybody.” Further, President Ramaphosa continues to be a pivotal actor in the tense political drama unfolding now. He has the public persona as Mandela’s mentee and enjoys personal popularity among a large section of South Africans as well as international visibility, even though they have expressed an obvious lack of confidence in his stewardship. The question is whether his personal traits and political acumen will help him overcome the party’s unpopularity, thus enabling him to remain at the helm. On the answer to this question will depend the range of changes that the next government may introduce in the nation’s social, economic and foreign policies. So, the big question is whether Ramaphosa will stay or call it a day. IEC Chair Mosotho Moepya wisely advised the nation, “This is a moment to manage and manage well.” At a press briefing earlier today, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula stated that the party has heard the people’s message. It is committed to the formation of a government “that reflects the will of the people, that is stable, and that is able to govern effectively.” But he also conveyed ANC’s rejection of the demand by other parties for President Ramaphosa to step down as a condition for forming a coalition, terming it as “a no-go area.” In sum, after the elections, political stakes have become higher, and the task of government formation has become more complex than South Africa experienced ever before. The suspense continues. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

South Africa after elections: Four scenarios

As the polling for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections entered its final phase on Saturday (June 1), a clash broke out between TMC and BJP workers injuring dozens at Meraganj in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district.

“Several people were injured in the clash between the TMC and BJP at booth numbers 40 and 41 in Meraganj,” police said.&nbsp;

TMC leader, identified as Bakibullah Laskar, alleged that his party worker was thrashed by the BJP in front of the police and that six of them sustained injuries in the clash.

“We were beaten (by BJP) in front of the police. Six of our workers were injured," news agency ANI quoted Laskar as saying.

Meanwhile, BJP accused TMC of attacking and wounding their booth agents, levelling counter allegations against the party.&nbsp;

“When BJP agents were on their way to sit in the booth, they were stopped on the way and beaten… Police went there… Later the police called the BJP booth agents and tried to make them sit in the booth… but after that TMC attacked… 2 booth agents were injured in this… a total of 7 were injured,” BJP leader Utpal Naskar said.

After reports of the incident surfaced, heavy police forces were deployed in the area.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-appeals-to-voters-to-exercise-franchise-to-end-dictatorship-727717">Lok Sabha elections 2024: Arvind Kejriwal urges voters to exercise franchise to end 'dictatorship'</a>

<h2>Mob loots reserve EVMs, throws VVPAT machines in pond</h2>

The reports of violence came hours after a mob looted reserve Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and threw two VVPAT machines inside a pond in West Bengal.

The incident occurred in the South 24 Parganas district.&nbsp;

In a post on X, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said, "Today morning at 6.40 am Reserve EVMs &amp; papers of Sector Officer near Benimadhavpur FP school, at 129-Kultali AC of 19-Jaynagar (SC) PC has been looted by local mob and 1 CU, 1 BU, 2VVPAT machines have been thrown inside a pond."

"Sector Police was a little behind. FIR has been lodged by the Sector Officer and necessary action has been initiated. The poll process in all six booths under the Sector is running uninterrupted. Fresh EVM and papers have been provided to the Sector Officer," it added.&nbsp;

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Today morning at 6.40 am Reserve EVMs &amp; papers of Sector Officer near Benimadhavpur FP school, at 129-Kultali AC of 19-Jaynagar (SC) PC has been looted by local mob and 1 CU, 1 BU , 2VVPAT machines have been thrown inside a pond.
— CEO West Bengal (@CEOWestBengal) <a href="https://twitter.com/CEOWestBengal/status/1796750956304146900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The West Bengal police released a statement saying that action was taken against miscreants and legal action was initiated.

"This incident happened in the morning around 6 am, much before the polling process in Bengal. Police and CAPF immediately intervened and have taken steps against the miscreants. Legal action initiated. Polling in Bhangar started without any interruption and is going on peacefully," they said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As the polling for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections entered its final phase on Saturday (June 1), a clash broke out between TMC and BJP workers injuring dozens at Meraganj in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district.

As the polling for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections entered its final phase on Saturday (June 1), a clash broke out between TMC and BJP workers injuring dozens at Meraganj in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district. “Several people were injured in the clash between the TMC and BJP at booth numbers 40 and 41 in Meraganj,” police said. TMC leader, identified as Bakibullah Laskar, alleged that his party worker was thrashed by the BJP in front of the police and that six of them sustained injuries in the clash. “We were beaten (by BJP) in front of the police. Six of our workers were injured," news agency ANI quoted Laskar as saying. Meanwhile, BJP accused TMC of attacking and wounding their booth agents, levelling counter allegations against the party. “When BJP agents were on their way to sit in the booth, they were stopped on the way and beaten… Police went there… Later the police called the BJP booth agents and tried to make them sit in the booth… but after that TMC attacked… 2 booth agents were injured in this… a total of 7 were injured,” BJP leader Utpal Naskar said. After reports of the incident surfaced, heavy police forces were deployed in the area. Also read: Lok Sabha elections 2024: Arvind Kejriwal urges voters to exercise franchise to end 'dictatorship' Mob loots reserve EVMs, throws VVPAT machines in pond The reports of violence came hours after a mob looted reserve Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and threw two VVPAT machines inside a pond in West Bengal. The incident occurred in the South 24 Parganas district. In a post on X, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said, "Today morning at 6.40 am Reserve EVMs & papers of Sector Officer near Benimadhavpur FP school, at 129-Kultali AC of 19-Jaynagar (SC) PC has been looted by local mob and 1 CU, 1 BU, 2VVPAT machines have been thrown inside a pond." "Sector Police was a little behind. FIR has been lodged by the Sector Officer and necessary action has been initiated. The poll process in all six booths under the Sector is running uninterrupted. Fresh EVM and papers have been provided to the Sector Officer," it added. (1/2) Today morning at 6.40 am Reserve EVMs & papers of Sector Officer near Benimadhavpur FP school, at 129-Kultali AC of 19-Jaynagar (SC) PC has been looted by local mob and 1 CU, 1 BU , 2VVPAT machines have been thrown inside a pond. — CEO West Bengal (@CEOWestBengal) June 1, 2024 × The West Bengal police released a statement saying that action was taken against miscreants and legal action was initiated. "This incident happened in the morning around 6 am, much before the polling process in Bengal. Police and CAPF immediately intervened and have taken steps against the miscreants. Legal action initiated. Polling in Bhangar started without any interruption and is going on peacefully," they said. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls: Violent clashes erupt between TMC and BJP workers in West Bengal, several injured

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 1) ended his meditation after 45 hours at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari in the southern Tamil Nadu state. He will now return to Delhi and await the results of the Lok Sabha elections, which have come to a close after seven phases of voting.

PM Modi also paid floral tributes to Tamil saint poet Thiruvalluvar. From May 30 evening to June 1 evening, the prime minister remained on a spiritual sojourn for nearly two days.

The prime minister meditated for the entire day and night at the same place where earlier Swami Vivekananda had meditated. This place is called the Dhyan Mandapam.&nbsp;

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— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1796840510495105418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi's meditation coincides with the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 which concluded on Saturday (June 1).

The prime minister reached Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari on Thursday (May 30). There, Modi performed the 'Surya Arghya' during sunrise.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-election-2024/watch-pm-modi-meditates-at-vivekananda-rock-memorial-in-kanyakumari-727346">PM Modi meditates at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari</a>

Bihar's former deputy chief minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav dismissed the spiritual activity of PM Modi as mere "photo shoots."

"Modi ji isn't doing any meditation, only photo shoots are happening. Once the photo shoot ends, they will come back," Yadav said.

<h2>All about Dhyan Mandapam and its spiritual significance&nbsp;</h2>

It is believed that the Dhyan Mandapam is the place where the revered Hindu philosopher Swami Vivekananda had a divine vision about 'Bharat Mata'.

As per mythology, Goddess Parvati had meditated on one foot at the same location while waiting for Lord Shiva. This place is located at the Southernmost tip of India.&nbsp;

It is the same place where India's Eastern and Western coastlines meet each other. This is also the meeting of Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;India General Elections: PM Modi looking for a hat trick from Varanasi seat

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By meditating in Kanniyakumari, the prime minister is trying to send a signal of national unity.

During the Lok Sabha 2024 elections, PM Modi led nearly 206 election campaign events, which included rallies and roadshows. He also gave 80 interviews to various news organisations.

The prime minister had even earlier undertaken spiritual journeys after ending the election campaigns. He visited Kedarnath in 2019 and Shivaji's Pratapgarh in 2014.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 1) ended his meditation after 45 hours at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari in the southern Tamil Nadu state.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 1) ended his meditation after 45 hours at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari in the southern Tamil Nadu state. He will now return to Delhi and await the results of the Lok Sabha elections, which have come to a close after seven phases of voting. PM Modi also paid floral tributes to Tamil saint poet Thiruvalluvar. From May 30 evening to June 1 evening, the prime minister remained on a spiritual sojourn for nearly two days. The prime minister meditated for the entire day and night at the same place where earlier Swami Vivekananda had meditated. This place is called the Dhyan Mandapam. #WATCH | PM Modi ends two-day-long meditation at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu pic.twitter.com/TY7snigzZI — ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024 × PM Modi's meditation coincides with the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 which concluded on Saturday (June 1). The prime minister reached Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari on Thursday (May 30). There, Modi performed the 'Surya Arghya' during sunrise. Also Read: PM Modi meditates at Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari Bihar's former deputy chief minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav dismissed the spiritual activity of PM Modi as mere "photo shoots." "Modi ji isn't doing any meditation, only photo shoots are happening. Once the photo shoot ends, they will come back," Yadav said. All about Dhyan Mandapam and its spiritual significance It is believed that the Dhyan Mandapam is the place where the revered Hindu philosopher Swami Vivekananda had a divine vision about 'Bharat Mata'. As per mythology, Goddess Parvati had meditated on one foot at the same location while waiting for Lord Shiva. This place is located at the Southernmost tip of India. It is the same place where India's Eastern and Western coastlines meet each other. This is also the meeting of Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. Watch: India General Elections: PM Modi looking for a hat trick from Varanasi seat By meditating in Kanniyakumari, the prime minister is trying to send a signal of national unity. During the Lok Sabha 2024 elections, PM Modi led nearly 206 election campaign events, which included rallies and roadshows. He also gave 80 interviews to various news organisations. The prime minister had even earlier undertaken spiritual journeys after ending the election campaigns. He visited Kedarnath in 2019 and Shivaji's Pratapgarh in 2014. (With inputs from agencies)

PM Modi completes 2-day meditation at Kanniyakumari, to return to Delhi as Lok Sabha polls end

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