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

South Africa’s election authority said that it will announce the final results of the recently concluded elections on Sunday (Jun 2) afternoon, despite threats from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-former-president-jacob-zuma-barred-from-running-in-may-election-705357">former President Jacob Zuma</a> and his party uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) who said it would “be provoking us” after he complained about unspecified “serious” issues.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Credible, free and fair elections’</h2>

South Africa’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has ensured that it will announce the final results of the elections on June 2 despite threats by Zuma, at a press briefing late Saturday (Jun 1).&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Parliament to elect new President in two weeks after results

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IEC CEO Mosotho Moepya said that the election authority will work through the night to resolve the 579 objections that have been received in order to proceed with the declaration of the final result.&nbsp;

Moepya also expressed confidence in the transparency of the systems put in place by the IEC to ensure “credible, free and fair elections”.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Don’t start trouble when there is no trouble’</h2>

Speaking at a press conference, late Saturday, Zuma insisted that the official result not be announced on Sunday after his party and at least 20 others lodged objections with the IEC over what they claimed was vote rigging.&nbsp;

The former president’s party, in addition to an inquiry into the elections, has also called for a recount and threatened to take legal action against IEC. However, he provided no evidence to back these claims.&nbsp;

“We are going to need the time. Nobody must declare (the final election result) tomorrow. If that happens, people will be provoked, we know what we are talking about,” said Zuma adding,&nbsp;“Nobody is going to die if the results are not announced tomorrow.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-election-poised-to-end-three-decades-of-anc-dominance-727729">South Africa election poised to end three decades of ANC dominance</a>

“Don’t start trouble when there is no trouble,” said the former president. He also said that the complaints need to be looked into by the IEC as “those being in charge cannot investigate themselves”.&nbsp;

Zuma’s brief imprisonment in 2021 led to riots which claimed more than 350 lives, in the country’s worst violence since the advent of democracy. The former president was found guilty of contempt of court by the country’s highest court at the time. &nbsp;

“We want a total revote,” MK spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said at the results centre, minutes before an electoral commission news conference was due to start, according to Reuters.&nbsp;

Ndhlela claimed MK had evidence that the election commission’s system was rigged, but did not produce any.&nbsp;

The IEC CEO said that although all complaints had to be received by the commission within 48 hours of the election ending at 9:00 pm (local time) on Wednesday (May 29), they had allowed an extension till 6:00 pm on Saturday (Jun 1).

<h2>ANC to lose majority</h2>

With 99.87 per cent of votes counted, the IEC said that the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has garnered a little over 40 per cent support followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 21.80 per cent, and MK which managed to grab 14.58 per cent of the votes. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-defence-chief-warns-military-ready-to-forcefully-stop-taiwan-independence-727965">Chinese defence chief warns military ready to 'forcefully' stop Taiwan independence</a>

Partial results indicate that the ruling party, which has been in power since 1994 after the end of apartheid in South Africa, will lose its parliamentary majority for the first time in three decades.&nbsp;

Therefore, the ruling party is now&nbsp;faced with a challenge of forming&nbsp;a new government in alliance with other political parties.&nbsp;

The IEC is expected to announce the final results at an event where President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to participate in the ceremony on Sunday afternoon.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

South Africa’s election authority said that it will announce the final results of the recently concluded elections on Sunday (Jun 2) afternoon, despite threats from former President Jacob Zuma and his party uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) who said it would “be provoking us” after he complained about unspecified “serious” issues.

South Africa’s election authority said that it will announce the final results of the recently concluded elections on Sunday (Jun 2) afternoon, despite threats from former President Jacob Zuma and his party uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) who said it would “be provoking us” after he complained about unspecified “serious” issues. ‘Credible, free and fair elections’ South Africa’s Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has ensured that it will announce the final results of the elections on June 2 despite threats by Zuma, at a press briefing late Saturday (Jun 1). WATCH | Parliament to elect new President in two weeks after results IEC CEO Mosotho Moepya said that the election authority will work through the night to resolve the 579 objections that have been received in order to proceed with the declaration of the final result. Moepya also expressed confidence in the transparency of the systems put in place by the IEC to ensure “credible, free and fair elections”. ‘Don’t start trouble when there is no trouble’ Speaking at a press conference, late Saturday, Zuma insisted that the official result not be announced on Sunday after his party and at least 20 others lodged objections with the IEC over what they claimed was vote rigging. The former president’s party, in addition to an inquiry into the elections, has also called for a recount and threatened to take legal action against IEC. However, he provided no evidence to back these claims. “We are going to need the time. Nobody must declare (the final election result) tomorrow. If that happens, people will be provoked, we know what we are talking about,” said Zuma adding, “Nobody is going to die if the results are not announced tomorrow.” Also Read | South Africa election poised to end three decades of ANC dominance “Don’t start trouble when there is no trouble,” said the former president. He also said that the complaints need to be looked into by the IEC as “those being in charge cannot investigate themselves”. Zuma’s brief imprisonment in 2021 led to riots which claimed more than 350 lives, in the country’s worst violence since the advent of democracy. The former president was found guilty of contempt of court by the country’s highest court at the time. “We want a total revote,” MK spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said at the results centre, minutes before an electoral commission news conference was due to start, according to Reuters. Ndhlela claimed MK had evidence that the election commission’s system was rigged, but did not produce any. The IEC CEO said that although all complaints had to be received by the commission within 48 hours of the election ending at 9:00 pm (local time) on Wednesday (May 29), they had allowed an extension till 6:00 pm on Saturday (Jun 1). ANC to lose majority With 99.87 per cent of votes counted, the IEC said that the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has garnered a little over 40 per cent support followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 21.80 per cent, and MK which managed to grab 14.58 per cent of the votes. Also Read | Chinese defence chief warns military ready to 'forcefully' stop Taiwan independence Partial results indicate that the ruling party, which has been in power since 1994 after the end of apartheid in South Africa, will lose its parliamentary majority for the first time in three decades. Therefore, the ruling party is now faced with a challenge of forming a new government in alliance with other political parties. The IEC is expected to announce the final results at an event where President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to participate in the ceremony on Sunday afternoon. (With inputs from agencies)

South Africa’s election authority to announce final result despite threats by former president Zuma

After 30 years of dominance, the ANC faces its toughest election yet, needing 50 percent to maintain its majority. Watch to know more.

South Africa elections 2024: Historic slump for South Africa's ruling party ANC

South Africa is poised to break three decades of dominance of the party that liberated it from apartheid, as voters, frustrated by joblessness, inequality, and power shortages, reduced the African National Congress's (ANC) share of the vote to 40%.

A weakened mandate for Nelson Mandela's legacy party, dropping from 57.5% in the 2019 election to 40%, means&nbsp;the ANC must share power with a rival to maintain form a government—an unprecedented scenario.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-will-not-not-attend-ukraine-peace-conference-in-switzerland-727700">China says will not not attend Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland</a>

Vote tallying from Wednesday's poll was entering the final stages on Saturday morning, with results in from 98% of polling stations giving the ANC 40.15% vote share.

The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), had 21.71% and uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), a new party led by former president Jacob Zuma, grabbed 14.76%.

It may be noted here, the ANC has won every previous national election by a landslide since the historic 1994 vote that ended white minority rule, but over the last decade its support has declined as the economy stagnated, unemployment rose and roads and power stations got worse.

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The share of votes of Political parties&nbsp;decides their seats in the National Assembly, which elects the nation's president. Investors in Africa's most industrialised economy will hope the uncertain picture can quickly become clear.

President Cyril Ramaphosa could theoretically retain his position, as the former liberation movement is projected to secure roughly twice as many votes as the next party. However, he will be significantly weakened and may face demands to step down from both opposition parties and critics within the deeply divided ANC.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-mexicos-election-holds-greater-significance-than-ever-for-the-us-727631">Why Mexico’s election holds greater significance than ever for the US</a>

However, on Friday (May 31) a top ANC official backed him to stay on as party leader, and analysts say he has no obvious successor.

A deal to keep the ANC in the presidency could involve opposition backing in exchange either for cabinet posts or for more control of parliament, perhaps even the speaker.

The election commission will announce the final results on Sunday (June 2).

(With inputs from agencies)

South Africa is poised to break three decades of dominance of the party that liberated it from apartheid, as voters, frustrated by joblessness, inequality, and power shortages, reduced the African National Congress's (ANC) share of the vote to 40%.

South Africa is poised to break three decades of dominance of the party that liberated it from apartheid, as voters, frustrated by joblessness, inequality, and power shortages, reduced the African National Congress's (ANC) share of the vote to 40%. A weakened mandate for Nelson Mandela's legacy party, dropping from 57.5% in the 2019 election to 40%, means the ANC must share power with a rival to maintain form a government—an unprecedented scenario. Also read: China says will not not attend Ukraine peace conference in Switzerland Vote tallying from Wednesday's poll was entering the final stages on Saturday morning, with results in from 98% of polling stations giving the ANC 40.15% vote share. The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), had 21.71% and uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), a new party led by former president Jacob Zuma, grabbed 14.76%. It may be noted here, the ANC has won every previous national election by a landslide since the historic 1994 vote that ended white minority rule, but over the last decade its support has declined as the economy stagnated, unemployment rose and roads and power stations got worse. × The share of votes of Political parties decides their seats in the National Assembly, which elects the nation's president. Investors in Africa's most industrialised economy will hope the uncertain picture can quickly become clear. President Cyril Ramaphosa could theoretically retain his position, as the former liberation movement is projected to secure roughly twice as many votes as the next party. However, he will be significantly weakened and may face demands to step down from both opposition parties and critics within the deeply divided ANC. Also read: Why Mexico’s election holds greater significance than ever for the US However, on Friday (May 31) a top ANC official backed him to stay on as party leader, and analysts say he has no obvious successor. A deal to keep the ANC in the presidency could involve opposition backing in exchange either for cabinet posts or for more control of parliament, perhaps even the speaker. The election commission will announce the final results on Sunday (June 2). (With inputs from agencies)

South Africa election poised to end three decades of ANC dominance

South Africa Elections: Counting underway | Will ANC's apartheid legacy fade out?

South Africa Elections 2024: Early results show ANC losing majority

Millions of South Africans headed to the polls on Wednesday (May 29) in the most competitive election since the end of apartheid where the country’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), according to opinion polls, could lose its parliamentary majority after 30 years.&nbsp;

<h2>Millions expected to head to polls</h2>

Voters queued up in South Africa’s main cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban as polling began at 7:00 am (local time) with long lines amid cold weather also seen in the outskirts of cities and in rural areas.

WATCH |&nbsp;Are South Africans voting for a change?

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A report by Reuters citing voters at polling stations across the countries said that they were voting for the opposition party amid high rates of unemployment and crime, frequent blackouts, and corruption in ANC ranks.&nbsp;

The voters headed to the polls to choose provincial assemblies in each of the country’s nine provinces as well as the new parliament which will then choose South Africa’s next president.&nbsp;

More than 27 million South Africans are registered to vote at over 23,000 polling stations across the country where the voting will continue till 9:00 pm (local time).&nbsp;

“If early indications are anything to go by, we may match or just surpass the 66% voter turnout (seen in the last election in 2019),” said Masego Sheburi, a senior official at the electoral commission, at a briefing hours after the voting began, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Most competitive elections in decades</h2>

Ahead of the elections, analysts citing recent opinion polls said that the ruling ANC faces its most difficult challenge yet with many frustrated by the country’s direction.&nbsp;

They also indicated the party could lose its majority for the first time since anti-apartheid activist and former President Nelson Mandela led it to power in 1994.

One voter in KwaMashu, a township close to Durban, told Reuters how he has voted for the ANC for years now.&nbsp;

“But this year, I have changed because of the problems with the ruling party, and so I have become a member of the MK party,” business owner Skhumbuzo Mnyandu, 48, told Reuters referring to the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), a new party backed by former President Jacob Zuma.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africans-vote-with-anc-rule-in-balance-726629">South Africans vote with ANC rule in balance</a>

If ANC fails to garner 50 per cent of the votes, it will not only lose its majority but also be forced to make a deal with one or more smaller parties to govern. It is worth noting that South Africa has been governed by a single party for years now.&nbsp;

However, ANC leader and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa remained confident. After casting his ballot at a polling station in Soweto, the incumbent president told reporters that he had “no doubt whatsoever” that voters would trust the ruling party again.&nbsp;

“I have no doubt whatsoever in my heart of hearts that the people will invest their confidence in the African National Congress,” said Ramaphosa.&nbsp;

John Steenhuisen, leader of the pro-business Democratic Alliance (DA) party which won the most votes, after ANC, in the last election urged voters to turn out in large numbers.&nbsp;

“This is the most consequential election since 1994,” said Steenhuisen after casting his ballot in Durban.&nbsp;

South Africa’s election commission is expected to start releasing partial results hours after the polling ends. However, the final results are expected to be released within three or four days.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Millions of South Africans headed to the polls on Wednesday (May 29) in the most competitive election since the end of apartheid where the country’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), according to opinion polls, could lose its parliamentary majority after 30 years.

Millions of South Africans headed to the polls on Wednesday (May 29) in the most competitive election since the end of apartheid where the country’s ruling African National Congress (ANC), according to opinion polls, could lose its parliamentary majority after 30 years. Millions expected to head to polls Voters queued up in South Africa’s main cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban as polling began at 7:00 am (local time) with long lines amid cold weather also seen in the outskirts of cities and in rural areas. WATCH | Are South Africans voting for a change? A report by Reuters citing voters at polling stations across the countries said that they were voting for the opposition party amid high rates of unemployment and crime, frequent blackouts, and corruption in ANC ranks. The voters headed to the polls to choose provincial assemblies in each of the country’s nine provinces as well as the new parliament which will then choose South Africa’s next president. More than 27 million South Africans are registered to vote at over 23,000 polling stations across the country where the voting will continue till 9:00 pm (local time). “If early indications are anything to go by, we may match or just surpass the 66% voter turnout (seen in the last election in 2019),” said Masego Sheburi, a senior official at the electoral commission, at a briefing hours after the voting began, as quoted by Reuters. Most competitive elections in decades Ahead of the elections, analysts citing recent opinion polls said that the ruling ANC faces its most difficult challenge yet with many frustrated by the country’s direction. They also indicated the party could lose its majority for the first time since anti-apartheid activist and former President Nelson Mandela led it to power in 1994. One voter in KwaMashu, a township close to Durban, told Reuters how he has voted for the ANC for years now. “But this year, I have changed because of the problems with the ruling party, and so I have become a member of the MK party,” business owner Skhumbuzo Mnyandu, 48, told Reuters referring to the opposition uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), a new party backed by former President Jacob Zuma. Also Read | South Africans vote with ANC rule in balance If ANC fails to garner 50 per cent of the votes, it will not only lose its majority but also be forced to make a deal with one or more smaller parties to govern. It is worth noting that South Africa has been governed by a single party for years now. However, ANC leader and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa remained confident. After casting his ballot at a polling station in Soweto, the incumbent president told reporters that he had “no doubt whatsoever” that voters would trust the ruling party again. “I have no doubt whatsoever in my heart of hearts that the people will invest their confidence in the African National Congress,” said Ramaphosa. John Steenhuisen, leader of the pro-business Democratic Alliance (DA) party which won the most votes, after ANC, in the last election urged voters to turn out in large numbers. “This is the most consequential election since 1994,” said Steenhuisen after casting his ballot in Durban. South Africa’s election commission is expected to start releasing partial results hours after the polling ends. However, the final results are expected to be released within three or four days. (With inputs from agencies)

South Africa Elections 2024: Voting underway in most competitive election challenging ANC’s decades-long power

Today, South Africans head to the polls. After 30 years of dominance, the ANC faces its toughest election yet, needing 50 percent to maintain its majority. Watch to know more.

South Africa Elections: Polling begins, 28 million voters to cast their vote

With less than a week left for the elections in South Africa and the runup to these crucial polls, experts and voters weigh in on the political future of the ruling African National Congress.

South Africa Elections 2024: Cracks showing in ANC's support base

The most crucial South African election in decades is already changing the country's financial markets, with money pouring in amid speculation that the African National Congress (ANC) will win enough votes to avoid less market-friendly policies from left-leaning coalition partners.

South African bonds received the most cash in April since Bloomberg began tracking the data in 2019, and the trend has continued into May. Stocks are at a 15-month high, and the rand is one of just five emerging-market currencies to strengthen this year.

South Africa represents a recovery tale for bullish investors. Foreign investors withdrew $50 billion during the last decade as the country struggled with power outages, corruption, and economic stagnation. Some investors, however, believe there will be a reversal.

"International equity investors are largely underweight South Africa, so their biggest risk is a positive election result driving a stronger currency and a re-rating of both our equity and bond markets," said Peter Brooke, a portfolio manager at Old Mutual Investment Group Ltd. "The low positioning and cheap assets could make this an explosive rally."

Elections around the world have had an impact on the markets. In 2023, pro-market governments in Greece and Argentina implemented economic reforms, resulting in huge returns, with an MSCI gauge of Greek shares rising 48 per cent and Argentina's index rising 67 per cent in dollar terms. South African equities have historically performed strongly after elections, with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. experts, including Sunil Koul, predicting that "election relief" might support domestic-focused companies, particularly domestic cyclicals, and banks.

However, scepticism prevails. "Those who have been disappointed have the memory of an elephant," stated Derrick Msibi, CEO of Stanlib Asset Management Ltd. "They never forget or easily relinquish their reservations, demanding compelling evidence of change." Last year, South Africa experienced a confidence crisis, with the rand falling to historic lows and bond yields rising. Nonetheless, the electricity supply has stabilised, and the government is poised to produce its first main budget surplus in 15 years.

JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. strategist David Aserkoff expressed cautious optimism, saying: "We anticipate that growth picks up, local bond yields fall, and the rand remains stable. If that happens, we are convinced that South Africa will significantly outperform emerging markets, reversing the previous decade's direction."

According to opinion polls, the ANC could lose its majority for the first time since 1994 in the May 29 election. However, fears of forming a government with communist parties have subsided. "Our base case remains that the ANC wins this election outright with an overall majority," said Standard Chartered Bank's head of research, Razia Khan. "If that doesn't happen, we still think it's a likely coalition with relatively benign, relatively centrist coalition partners."

The Democratic Alliance, the populist Economic Freedom Fighters, and the newly created uMkhonto weSizwe, led by former President Jacob Zuma, who is facing corruption charges, are all expected to receive large votes outside of the ANC. UBS Group AG strategists, including Manik Narain, believe local stocks may rise by 17 per cent if the ANC and the DA form a partnership.

The election premium on bonds is also decreasing. Local currency debt, which underperformed emerging markets earlier in 2024, has risen to the top ten this quarter, delivering investors a 6.3 per cent return in dollar terms. Citigroup Inc. strategists, including Bhumika Gupta, have switched overweight on the debt, expecting more inflows.

"The danger of the ANC having to team up with the EFF post-election has led to considerable underperformance in South African bond and credit markets in recent months," said Roger Mark, an emerging-markets fixed-income analyst at Ninety One." "Because we view this scenario as a tail risk only, we are turning increasingly constructive on the country's assets."

In April, Credit Agricole SA went long the rand against the dollar, with a target price of 18.60 rand per dollar. The currency has already risen above this, trading at about 18.20 on Friday. Cumesh Moodliar, CEO of Investec South Africa, stated that investors want to see sustained improvements in state-owned enterprises and important institutions, as well as successful prosecutions of individuals involved in corruption.

"None of these are out of reach of the government," Moodliar stated. "A concerted effort to follow through is probably the first requirement to rebuild confidence."

(With inputs from Bloomberg)

The most crucial South African election in decades is already changing the country's financial markets, with money pouring in amid speculation that the African National Congress (ANC) will win enough votes to avoid less market-friendly policies from left-leaning coalition partners.

The most crucial South African election in decades is already changing the country's financial markets, with money pouring in amid speculation that the African National Congress (ANC) will win enough votes to avoid less market-friendly policies from left-leaning coalition partners. South African bonds received the most cash in April since Bloomberg began tracking the data in 2019, and the trend has continued into May. Stocks are at a 15-month high, and the rand is one of just five emerging-market currencies to strengthen this year. South Africa represents a recovery tale for bullish investors. Foreign investors withdrew $50 billion during the last decade as the country struggled with power outages, corruption, and economic stagnation. Some investors, however, believe there will be a reversal. "International equity investors are largely underweight South Africa, so their biggest risk is a positive election result driving a stronger currency and a re-rating of both our equity and bond markets," said Peter Brooke, a portfolio manager at Old Mutual Investment Group Ltd. "The low positioning and cheap assets could make this an explosive rally." Elections around the world have had an impact on the markets. In 2023, pro-market governments in Greece and Argentina implemented economic reforms, resulting in huge returns, with an MSCI gauge of Greek shares rising 48 per cent and Argentina's index rising 67 per cent in dollar terms. South African equities have historically performed strongly after elections, with Goldman Sachs Group Inc. experts, including Sunil Koul, predicting that "election relief" might support domestic-focused companies, particularly domestic cyclicals, and banks. However, scepticism prevails. "Those who have been disappointed have the memory of an elephant," stated Derrick Msibi, CEO of Stanlib Asset Management Ltd. "They never forget or easily relinquish their reservations, demanding compelling evidence of change." Last year, South Africa experienced a confidence crisis, with the rand falling to historic lows and bond yields rising. Nonetheless, the electricity supply has stabilised, and the government is poised to produce its first main budget surplus in 15 years. JPMorgan Chase & Co. strategist David Aserkoff expressed cautious optimism, saying: "We anticipate that growth picks up, local bond yields fall, and the rand remains stable. If that happens, we are convinced that South Africa will significantly outperform emerging markets, reversing the previous decade's direction." According to opinion polls, the ANC could lose its majority for the first time since 1994 in the May 29 election. However, fears of forming a government with communist parties have subsided. "Our base case remains that the ANC wins this election outright with an overall majority," said Standard Chartered Bank's head of research, Razia Khan. "If that doesn't happen, we still think it's a likely coalition with relatively benign, relatively centrist coalition partners." The Democratic Alliance, the populist Economic Freedom Fighters, and the newly created uMkhonto weSizwe, led by former President Jacob Zuma, who is facing corruption charges, are all expected to receive large votes outside of the ANC. UBS Group AG strategists, including Manik Narain, believe local stocks may rise by 17 per cent if the ANC and the DA form a partnership. The election premium on bonds is also decreasing. Local currency debt, which underperformed emerging markets earlier in 2024, has risen to the top ten this quarter, delivering investors a 6.3 per cent return in dollar terms. Citigroup Inc. strategists, including Bhumika Gupta, have switched overweight on the debt, expecting more inflows. "The danger of the ANC having to team up with the EFF post-election has led to considerable underperformance in South African bond and credit markets in recent months," said Roger Mark, an emerging-markets fixed-income analyst at Ninety One." "Because we view this scenario as a tail risk only, we are turning increasingly constructive on the country's assets." In April, Credit Agricole SA went long the rand against the dollar, with a target price of 18.60 rand per dollar. The currency has already risen above this, trading at about 18.20 on Friday. Cumesh Moodliar, CEO of Investec South Africa, stated that investors want to see sustained improvements in state-owned enterprises and important institutions, as well as successful prosecutions of individuals involved in corruption. "None of these are out of reach of the government," Moodliar stated. "A concerted effort to follow through is probably the first requirement to rebuild confidence." (With inputs from Bloomberg)

South African Election sparks financial market rally. Here are the details

With South Africa heading to polls in less than two weeks its former President Jacob Zuma has launched its new parties' Manifesto. The MK party gained its popularity after Zuma announced in December that he will be campaigning for it and not the governing party ANC that is led by his former ally. Watch in for more details!

South Africa Elections 2024: Jacob Zuma vs Cyril Ramaphosa

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