South Africa’s political landscape has experienced a seismic shift as the African National Congress (ANC) suffers its worst election result in three decades. With almost all votes counted from Wednesday’s poll, the ANC has secured just 40% of the vote, a steep decline from the 58% they achieved in the previous election. This outcome has pushed the party, which has ruled since the end of apartheid in 1994, into a position where it must share power.
President Cyril Ramaphosa now faces mounting pressure from both within his party and from a frustrated electorate. The ANC’s support, historically solid, has been steadily eroding amid widespread dissatisfaction over rampant corruption, rising unemployment, and pervasive crime. The cost-of-living crisis and persistent power cuts have further fueled public discontent.
One lifelong ANC supporter, who spoke to the BBC, encapsulated the sentiment of many disillusioned voters. “This result is not good. I wanted it out of government. We need to give someone else a chance,” she said. After three decades of unwavering support for the ANC, she cast her vote for the center-right Democratic Alliance (DA) this time around.
The election result is even worse than the ANC’s feared worst-case scenario of 45%. Analysts had warned that the party could dip below 50%, but the actual figure has come as a shock. Since Nelson Mandela’s historic election as president in 1994, the ANC had consistently polled above the majority threshold. This dramatic downturn marks a significant moment in South Africa’s democratic journey.
In the wake of these results, the ANC is now compelled to form a coalition government. This will involve delicate negotiations and compromises with other political parties. The DA, which has gained traction among voters dissatisfied with the ANC, will likely play a critical role in shaping the new government.
The ANC’s fall from grace can be attributed to several key factors. Corruption scandals have plagued the party for years, eroding public trust. High-profile cases involving ANC officials have dominated headlines, reinforcing the perception of a party out of touch with the struggles of ordinary South Africans. Unemployment, particularly among the youth, remains alarmingly high, while crime rates continue to soar.
Additionally, the country’s energy crisis has left citizens grappling with frequent and prolonged power cuts. This not only disrupts daily life but also hampers economic growth, exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis. Many South Africans feel that the ANC has failed to address these critical issues effectively.
As the ANC navigates this challenging new political landscape, the coming weeks will be crucial. The party must not only negotiate coalition terms but also address internal divisions and chart a path forward that restores public confidence. For many South Africans, this election represents a turning point – an opportunity to redefine their nation’s future and ensure that the government is held accountable.
President Ramaphosa, a key figure in the ANC and South African politics, will be under intense scrutiny as he steers the party through this period of uncertainty. His leadership and the ANC’s ability to adapt to this new reality will be decisive in shaping South Africa’s political and socio-economic trajectory.
This election has underscored the growing demand for change among South Africans. As the ANC shares power for the first time in the post-apartheid era, the implications for the country’s democracy and governance will be profound and far-reaching.
