SOUTH Africa announced its final election results on Sunday, revealing that the African National Congress (ANC) secured just 159 seats out of 400 in the National Assembly. This marks the first time in 30 years that no party has won a majority, necessitating unprecedented coalition talks to govern Africa’s most advanced economy.
‘What this election has made happen is that people in South Africa expect their leaders to work together to meet their needs,’ President Cyril Ramaphosa said during the announcement ceremony.
The ANC, which received around 40 percent of the votes in the final count, was already predicted to lose its majority after more than 99 percent of votes were counted by Saturday, showing it couldn’t surpass the 50 percent threshold.
The ANC garnered the largest share of votes but fell short of expectations, confirming the loss of its longstanding majority. Ramaphosa acknowledged the results as a strong message from the South African electorate on their assessment of his government.
‘This election has reaffirmed that building a South Africa for all remains our country’s defining mission. As leaders of political parties, we have heard the voices of our people, and we must respect their wishes,’ Ramaphosa added.
Without a majority, the ANC will need to form a coalition with another party or parties for the first time to govern South Africa and secure Ramaphosa’s second term as president.
South Africa’s national elections determine the number of seats each party receives in parliament, with lawmakers electing the president subsequently. The ANC announced earlier on Sunday that it has begun negotiations with all major parties to form South Africa’s first national coalition government.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula stated that the party is open to all negotiations, including with the main opposition, the Democratic Alliance (DA). The DA has been a vocal critic of the ANC for years but is considered by many analysts as the most stable coalition option for the country.
‘We are talking to everybody in our bid to form a coalition government. There is no party we are not talking to,’ Mbalula said.
The final results mark a significant shift in South African politics, emphasising the electorate’s desire for collaborative governance to address the nation’s pressing
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