The African National Congress (ANC) has lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994, marking a significant shift in South Africa’s political landscape.
With over 99 per cent of votes counted, the ANC secured just over 40 per cent, short of the majority needed to govern alone.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) received 21 per cent, while the new MK Party and Economic Freedom Fighters trailed with 14 per cent and 9 per cent, respectively.
The ANC will now need to form a coalition government to remain in power and re-elect President Cyril Ramaphosa. Negotiations are set to begin, with the DA and MK Party being potential partners. However, the process is expected to be complicated, with different parties having different conditions and agendas.
Opposition parties have hailed the result as a breakthrough for a country struggling with poverty and inequality.
“The way to rescue South Africa is to break the ANC’s majority, and we have done that,” said main opposition leader John Steenhuisen.
The ANC has been blamed for failures in basic government services and struggling to address widespread unemployment, which stands at 32 per cent.
“We are willing to negotiate with the ANC, but not the ANC of Cyril Ramaphosa,” MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndlela said.
The election outcome marks a new political path for South Africa, with many hoping for a new era of cooperation and progress. The final results are expected to be formally declared by Sunday, but the ANC cannot surpass 50 per cent.