The African National Congress (ANC) got 42.7% of the votes in Wednesday’s election, according to the latest update from the electoral commission.
Former President Jacob Zuma’s supported uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party grabbed 10%, moving ahead of the radical left Economic Freedom Fighters to become the third largest party, while the pro-business Democratic Alliance came in second with 23.6%.
According to opinion polls on Monday, the African National Congress (ANC) faces the possibility of losing its national majority. This potential outcome marks a significant shift since Nelson Mandela led the party to power in 1994, heralding the end of White-minority rule in South Africa.
For the ANC party to maintain power, it may seek support from one or more smaller political parties.
If the ANC support falls below approximately 45%, potential coalition partners include the business-friendly Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters or the new uMkhonto weSizwe Party, both advocating for the nationalization of resources and banks.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is one of the opposition party in the country led by Julius Malema, which advocates for radical economic transformation, land expropriation without compensation, and other populist measures.