South Africa is gearing up for a pivotal election that will test the endurance of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), which has held power since the end of apartheid 30 years ago. President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC are facing a tough battle to maintain their parliamentary majority, with polls indicating a potential drop below 50% of the national vote in the upcoming May 29 election.
While the ANC is still expected to secure the largest share of votes, the possibility of not achieving an outright majority raises the prospect of forming a coalition government to retain power. This scenario would require navigating uncharted territory for a country that has predominantly been under ANC rule since the historic 1994 elections.
How Does the Election Work?
South Africans do not directly vote for the president but instead determine the composition of Parliament, known as the National Assembly. The 400-member National Assembly then elects the president based on the majority party. This election marks a potential shift from the ANC's historical dominance, with the need for coalition agreements looming on the horizon.
Who Is Running?
With a record 70 political parties registered for the election, the ANC's leadership under Ramaphosa, the Democratic Alliance (DA) as the main opposition, and the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) led by Julius Malema are the key players. Despite efforts to challenge the ANC's supremacy, the opposition parties have yet to significantly dent the ruling party's support base.
What Are the Big Issues?
Unemployment, poverty, and inequality remain the central concerns for South Africans, overshadowing the country's advancements post-apartheid. With an alarming 32% unemployment rate and over half the population living in poverty, discontent with the ANC's governance is palpable. Other pressing issues include violent crime, government corruption scandals, failing public services, and electricity shortages that have plagued the nation.
As South Africa braces for a potentially transformative election, the outcome will not only shape the country's political landscape but also determine its trajectory in addressing longstanding socio-economic challenges.
