South Africa has entered new territory with a government of national unity after the May elections. The parties representing more than 70% of the electorate will now be the dominant force in parliament.
The parties that are not part of the unity government will doubtless continue to demand accountability by the executive. A particular challenge arises, however, for the clear majority of MPs from a range of political ideologies now represented in the executive.
The constitution obliges parliament to hold the executive accountable. Having several political parties in the cabinet complicates this.
