President Cyril Ramaphosa called on South Africa’s political parties to work together for the good of the country. This came as the final results from last week’s election confirmed his African National Congress (ANC) had lost its majority for the first time. The result is the worst election showing for the ANC since it came to power 30 years ago, ending white minority rule.
Voter anger against ANC
Voters who are angry at joblessness, inequality, and rolling blackouts, slashed support for the ANC to 40.2%, down from 57.5% in the previous 2019 parliamentary vote.
Official results showed the ANC winning 159 seats in the 400-seat National Assembly, down from 230 previously.
The result means that the ANC must now share power, likely with a major political rival, in order to keep it – an unprecedented prospect in South Africa’s post-apartheid history.
Ramaphosa calls for unity
Speaking after the final results, Ramaphosa said.
“South Africans expect the parties for which they have voted to find common ground, overcome their differences and act together for the good of everyone. That’s what South Africans have said.”
He called the election a “victory for our democracy.”
Political parties now have two weeks to work out a deal before the new parliament sits to choose a president. The president would likely still hail from the ANC.
ANC says Ramaphosa will not step down
ANC officials earlier on Sunday said the party was humbled by the result and had “nothing to celebrate.” However, they said they stood by Ramaphosa and added they would not bend to pressure for him to step down.
The poor showing has fuelled speculation that Ramaphosa’s days might be numbered. This is either due to the demands of a prospective coalition partner or a result of an internal leadership challenge.
Fikile Mbalula, the ANC’s secretary general, told a press briefing that the government had made mistakes in governance. However, the party was now committed to forming a government “that is stable and that is able to govern effectively.”
The ANC’s leadership will meet on Tuesday to plot the path forward.
With inputs from Reuters
