South Africa's president, Cyril Ramaphosa, has been re-elected. This comes after the Democratic Alliance, the nation's second-largest party, said that it will support the leader of the African National Congress as part of a coalition agreement with the government.

First coalition government in South Africa as Democratic Alliance backs African National Congress

Cyril Ramaphosa has been re-elected as South Africa's President this development comes after the country's second biggest party the Democratic Alliance says it will back the African National Congress leader following a government Coalition deal. Watch in for more details!

South Africa Presidential Elections: ANC strikes coalition deal with Democratic Alliance

South Africa: Whites-led DA party backs ANC, Ramaphosa re-elected as President

Cyril Ramaphosa, 71, was re-elected South Africa's president for a second term on Friday (June 14), after his African National Congress (ANC) cobbled together an unprecedented coalition government.

Cyril Ramaphosa, 71, was re-elected South Africa's president for a second term on Friday (June 14), after his African National Congress (ANC) cobbled together an unprecedented coalition government. Lawmakers in Capetown voted overwhelmingly to put Ramaphosa back in office for another five years after the May 29 general election produced no outright winner, a report by the news agency AFP said. The election marked a historic turning point for the country, ending 30 years of dominance by the ANC. The party won only 40 per cent of the vote and, for the first time, lost its absolute majority in parliament. However, it has now struck a deal to form what it calls a government of national unity. The coalition deal ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula said on Friday the broad coalition brought together a majority of the 18 parties that won representation in the 400-seat National Assembly. These included the centre-right Democratic Alliance (DA), the Zulu nationalist Inkatha Freedom Party, and other smaller groups. Ramaphosa was re-elected by fellow MPs with 283 votes in a secret ballot, AFP reported. Also read | South Africa considers selling Rhino horn to Asian tourists amid ecological concerns He saw off a last-minute challenge by Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, whose candidacy gained 44 votes. "This is not a government of national unity, this is a grand coalition between the ANC and white monopoly capital. History will judge you harshly," Malema said, after conceding defeat. 'Humbled and honoured' In his acceptance speech, Ramaphosa said he was humbled and honoured that members of the National Assembly "decided to elect me to be the President of the Republic of South Africa." Also watch | South Africa legalises Cannabis; move to protect children form undue exposure "This is a historic juncture in the life of our country, which requires that we must work and act together," he added. Ramaphosa would be sworn in next week in Pretoria and then unveil his new cabinet. The 71-year-old would preside over a government combining radically different political views. (With inputs from agencies)

Cyril Ramaphosa re-elected South African president following coalition deal

Headlines of the hour: - PM Modi puts G7 focus on global South - PM Modi invites Pope Francis to visit India - Kyiv dismisses Putin's peace terms - IDF strikes Hezbollah targets - Ramaphosa re-elected as President - Clashes before anti-far right rally

PM Modi puts G7 focus on global South | PM Modi invites Pope Francis to visit India

White-led party to rule with ANC in South Africa, a new normal for the country?

The first session of the new South Africa Parliament is scheduled to meet on Friday as the largest party the African National Congress also known as the ANC has called for a government of National Unity instead of a traditional Coalition formation. Watch in for more details!

South Africa: President Cyril Ramaphosa expected to be re-elected

South Africa: ANC has called for a government of National Unity

South Africa's top court has dismissed an application by a party led by the former president Jacob Zuma to stop Parliament from convening on Friday. Watch in for more details!

South Africa: Top court dismisses plea to stop Parliament from convening

A new South African parliament will reconvene, and no government yet. The African national congress (ANC), which has been in power since the end of apartheid 30 years ago, lost its majority in a May 29 election. It is now negotiating with potential governing partners ranging from Marxists to free-marketeers.

Confusion over government formation looms in South Africa

Following days of internal party debate, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared late on Thursday that South Africa was facing a "fundamental consequence" and that extraordinary leadership was needed for the nation. This statement came before the ANC's top leadership body, the national executive committee (NEC).

South Africa’s ANC wants a national unity government, wants coalition with DA?

Flooding caused by torrential rain and fierce winds on South Africa's eastern coast have killed at least 22 people, local authorities said on Tuesday.

Flooding hit several locations in two eastern provinces, two rare tornados were spotted, temperatures plunged and snow fell in some central regions. &nbsp;

At least 11 people died in Eastern Cape, a spokesperson from Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, at the heart of the floods, told AFP.

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More than 2,000 people have been evacuated from Nelson Mandela Bay, notably from makeshift homes in the municipality's slums.

Local authorities launched an appeal for donations of clothing, food and blankets.

The provincial government in neighbouring KwaZulu-Natal also said at least 11 people had died in and around the port city of Durban. &nbsp;

Provincial authorities declared a state of alert in KwaZulu-Natal.

A provincial government statement said "55 people suffered minor to moderate injuries and are receiving medical treatment in hospital.&nbsp;

"At least 120 people have been displaced and three temporary shelters have been established," it added.

Durban and its surrounding area in 2022 was the site of the worst flooding in South Africa's history, which provoked mudslides that killed more than 400 people.

Rescue services were deployed in both affected provinces on Monday night.

Homes were flattened, roads flooded and trees felled.

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Some places suffered energy blackouts.

The national meteorological institute says South Africa is in the grip of a "cut off low" pressure system, marked by heavy rains and a cold snap that can also bring hail, snow and strong winds.

Heavy rainfall has hit the eastern Indian Ocean coast, and meteorological services have published weather alerts in four of the southern African country's nine provinces.

Flooding caused by torrential rain and fierce winds on South Africa's eastern coast have killed at least 22 people, local authorities said on Tuesday. Flooding hit several locations in two eastern provinces, two rare tornados were spotted, temperatures plunged and snow fell in some central regions.

Flooding caused by torrential rain and fierce winds on South Africa's eastern coast have killed at least 22 people, local authorities said on Tuesday. Flooding hit several locations in two eastern provinces, two rare tornados were spotted, temperatures plunged and snow fell in some central regions. At least 11 people died in Eastern Cape, a spokesperson from Nelson Mandela Bay municipality, at the heart of the floods, told AFP. Also read: Putin succession plan? Daughters appear at key economic summit to support Dad More than 2,000 people have been evacuated from Nelson Mandela Bay, notably from makeshift homes in the municipality's slums. Local authorities launched an appeal for donations of clothing, food and blankets. The provincial government in neighbouring KwaZulu-Natal also said at least 11 people had died in and around the port city of Durban. Provincial authorities declared a state of alert in KwaZulu-Natal. A provincial government statement said "55 people suffered minor to moderate injuries and are receiving medical treatment in hospital. "At least 120 people have been displaced and three temporary shelters have been established," it added. Durban and its surrounding area in 2022 was the site of the worst flooding in South Africa's history, which provoked mudslides that killed more than 400 people. Rescue services were deployed in both affected provinces on Monday night. Homes were flattened, roads flooded and trees felled. Also read: 11 hospitalised for heat exhaustion at Trump rally in Arizona Some places suffered energy blackouts. The national meteorological institute says South Africa is in the grip of a "cut off low" pressure system, marked by heavy rains and a cold snap that can also bring hail, snow and strong winds. Heavy rainfall has hit the eastern Indian Ocean coast, and meteorological services have published weather alerts in four of the southern African country's nine provinces.

South African floods kill at least 22 people

South Africa's ANC is in a tricky situation after losing a 2/3rd majority in the parliament. The party has been forced to form a coalition to regain power in the country. But it's not going to be an easy road ahead.

South Africa: Will ANC and Jacob Zuma reconcile differences to form a coalition?

South Africa's economy will likely remain weak in the June quarter after unexpectedly contracting in the prior three months. This is driven by election jitters weighing on demand. Gross domestic product fell 0.1% in the three months through March, compared with revised growth of 0.3% in the prior quarter. The slump was largely due to contractions in the mining, manufacturing and construction sectors, which make up more than a fifth of GDP. This was driven by weak demand and a pickup in rotational power cuts.

South Africa's election uncertainty festers

The African National Congress was holding high-stakes internal talks on Tuesday about which parties it should approach to form South Africa's next government, with diametrically opposed Marxists and free-marketeers on the menu of options.

South Africa's ANC weighs up partners, from free-marketeers to Marxists

South Africa's Anrich Nortje took a remarkable four wickets for just seven runs as the Proteas dismissed Sri Lanka for a record low 77 on their way to a six-wicket win in the teams' T20 World Cup opener in New York on Monday.

Sri Lanka's total was their lowest in all T20 cricket, with fast bowler Nortje's figures the best by a South African at a T20 World Cup, surpassing his own 4-10 against Bangladesh in Sydney two years ago.

Kagiso Rabada (2-21) and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who took two wickets in two balls on his way to 2-22, also damaged Sri Lanka's cause.

Opener Kusal Mendis (19) and veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews (16) were the only Sri Lanka batsmen to cross 15 after their captain, Wanindu Hasaranga, seemingly misread conditions by opting to bat first after winning the toss in what was the first match at a Long Island ground built specially for this tournament.

But South Africa too lost early wickets in their chase as their top order also struggled to time the ball on a pitch that was difficult for batting.

They were 23-2 early in their reply but opener Quinton de Kock made 20 before, with the Proteas wobbling at 58-4, the big-hitting Heinrich Klaasen struck a six and a four off successive deliveries to ease his side's nerves.

Klaasen was 19 not out as South Africa finished on 80-4 with 26 balls to spare.

South Africa fast bowler Ottneil Baartman, making his World Cup debut, sparked Sri Lanka's&nbsp;collapse when, with his first ball, he had Pathum Nissanka caught in the deep before Nortje dismissed Kamindu Mendis in similar fashion.

Maharaj then struck twice in the ninth over as both the advancing Hasaranga, stumped by De Kock and Sadeera Samarawickrama, clean bowled by a quicker delivery, fell for nought to leave Sri Lanka 32-4 before Charith Asalanka survived the hat-trick ball.

Nortje returned to dismiss Mathews in his last over.

Sri Lanka were bowled out with five balls left when last man Nuwan Thushara was run out for one of four ducks in the innings.&nbsp;

South Africa's Anrich Nortje took a remarkable four wickets for just seven runs as the Proteas dismissed Sri Lanka for a record low 77 on their way to a six-wicket win in the teams' T20 World Cup opener in New York on Monday.

South Africa's Anrich Nortje took a remarkable four wickets for just seven runs as the Proteas dismissed Sri Lanka for a record low 77 on their way to a six-wicket win in the teams' T20 World Cup opener in New York on Monday. Sri Lanka's total was their lowest in all T20 cricket, with fast bowler Nortje's figures the best by a South African at a T20 World Cup, surpassing his own 4-10 against Bangladesh in Sydney two years ago. Kagiso Rabada (2-21) and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, who took two wickets in two balls on his way to 2-22, also damaged Sri Lanka's cause. Opener Kusal Mendis (19) and veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews (16) were the only Sri Lanka batsmen to cross 15 after their captain, Wanindu Hasaranga, seemingly misread conditions by opting to bat first after winning the toss in what was the first match at a Long Island ground built specially for this tournament. But South Africa too lost early wickets in their chase as their top order also struggled to time the ball on a pitch that was difficult for batting. They were 23-2 early in their reply but opener Quinton de Kock made 20 before, with the Proteas wobbling at 58-4, the big-hitting Heinrich Klaasen struck a six and a four off successive deliveries to ease his side's nerves. Klaasen was 19 not out as South Africa finished on 80-4 with 26 balls to spare. South Africa fast bowler Ottneil Baartman, making his World Cup debut, sparked Sri Lanka's collapse when, with his first ball, he had Pathum Nissanka caught in the deep before Nortje dismissed Kamindu Mendis in similar fashion. Maharaj then struck twice in the ninth over as both the advancing Hasaranga, stumped by De Kock and Sadeera Samarawickrama, clean bowled by a quicker delivery, fell for nought to leave Sri Lanka 32-4 before Charith Asalanka survived the hat-trick ball. Nortje returned to dismiss Mathews in his last over. Sri Lanka were bowled out with five balls left when last man Nuwan Thushara was run out for one of four ducks in the innings.

T20 World Cup: South Africa off to winning start after Nortje’s electric spell rattles Sri Lanka

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 2024: Historic slump for South Africa's ruling party, ANC loses majority

Watch top headlines of the hour: - South Africa: ANC short, focus on alliances - Parties strategise ahead of vote counting - Mexico set to elect first female President - 12 killed in Israeli strike in Syria - Will Israel accept Gaza peace deal? - Heatwave in North India, rains in Northeast

Heatwave in North India, rains in Northeast | 12 killed in Israeli strike in Syria

Watch top headlines of the hour: - South Africa: ANC short, focus on alliances - Parties strategise ahead of vote counting - Mexico set to elect first female President - Will Israel accept Gaza peace deal? - California wildfire spreads rapidly

California wildfire spreads rapidly | Will Israel accept Gaza peace deal

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

The African National Congress (ANC) party lost its majority in the South African Parliament for the first time since Nelson Mandela led it to victory in the first democratic elections in 1994 at the end of the apartheid system.

South Africa Elections 2024: ANC loses majority in Parliament

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

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

South Africa elections: Cyril Ramaphosa's Presidency facing existential threat?

South Africa Elections: Parliament to elect new President in two weeks after results

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

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South Africa Elections: ANC loses majority, expected to form coalition government

South Africa Elections: African National Party loses majority, ANC down to 40%

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

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-africa-elections-parliament-to-elect-new-president-in-two-weeks-after-results-727952/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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;

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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

South Africa Elections: 'Historic' change of government in S Africa, ANC party loses majority

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