South Africa has announced crucial national elections on May 29, with indications that the ruling African National Congress (ANC) could lose its majority for the first time since the end of apartheid three decades ago.
President Cyril Ramaphosa disclosed the election date amid numerous challenges facing the ANC-led government, including soaring unemployment, an electricity crisis resulting in widespread blackouts, and widespread voter distrust due to ongoing corruption allegations.
Recent polls suggest that the ANC, once globally admired and led by Nelson Mandela, may dip below 50% of the vote for the first time since winning South Africa’s inaugural all-race election in 1994. If it loses its majority, the ANC would need to form a coalition to stay in power, potentially allowing Ramaphosa, a political protege of Mandela, to remain president for a second and final five-year term.
While the ANC is still expected to secure the largest share of the vote, some polls predict a significant drop to below 40%. The Democratic Alliance, the main opposition party, is exploring a coalition with other opposition parties to challenge the ANC’s governance.
The far-left Economic Freedom Fighters, the third-largest party, is not part of this coalition but has gained support and increased its share in the previous election.
The upcoming election marks an opportunity for South Africans to address the challenges of the past 30 years, characterized by ANC failures, corruption, and state capture, according to leaders of opposition parties.
The country faces economic struggles, high unemployment rates, and concerns about corruption and governance issues. The ANC, despite winning every national election since 1994, experienced a setback in local elections in 2021 when it fell below the 50% mark.
The election will be the seventh fully democratic one in South Africa, allowing citizens to exercise their right to vote and shape the future of the nation.
The ANC, while having made efforts to address corruption under Ramaphosa, still grapples with public discontent over economic challenges and governance issues. In addition to selecting national leaders, South Africans will also vote for provincial legislatures in the country’s nine provinces.
