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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Rachel Savage in Johannesburg

ANC looks set to lose majority in watershed moment for South Africa

ANC chair Gwede Mantashe
The ANC chair, Gwede Mantashe, at the Independent Electoral Commission in Johannesburg on Thursday as vote counting continued. Photograph: Kim Ludbrook/EPA

South Africa’s ruling African National Congress party looks set to lose its majority for the first time since it swept to power at the end of apartheid, in a watershed moment for the country, as support for the former liberation movement collapsed below 50% in partial results.

With 41.1% of votes counted on Thursday night, South Africa was on the precipice of an era of national coalition government. The ANC had 42.6% of the vote, with the pro-business Democratic Alliance on 23.8%.

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