South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), is on track to lose its majority in parliament for the first time since Nelson Mandela’s historic victory in 1994. This signals a major shift in South African politics, prompting questions about President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership and paving the way for coalition governments.
Here’s a breakdown of why this happened and what it means for the future:
- The ANC’s decline: Once hailed as a symbol of liberation, the ANC has lost its appeal due to corruption and poor governance. This election saw a significant backlash, especially from young voters who are fed up with the party’s failures, marking a generational divide in South Africa.
- The resurgence of Jacob Zuma: Despite facing corruption charges, former President Jacob Zuma has made a comeback, rallying support in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal under a new party, MK. This has eroded the ANC’s base and could challenge President Ramaphosa’s leadership.
- Coalition politics: With the ANC’s support waning, coalition governments are becoming inevitable. If the ANC falls below 45% of the vote, it will need a major partner like MK, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), or the Democratic Alliance (DA) to govern. Tough decisions lie ahead for the ANC as it navigates this new political landscape.
This election marks a turning point for South Africa, with the opposition gaining more influence and the ANC’s dominance being challenged.
(Adapted from BBC)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgee5n9jen9o