South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) won 159 out of 400 seats in the country’s National Assembly after last week’s general election, the electoral commission said on Sunday.
The results showed the ANC had lost its outright majority in parliament for the first time since it came to power after the end of apartheid and white minority rule 30 years ago. In the previous election in 2019, the party had won 230 seats.
ANC’s main challenger, the pro-business, white-led Democratic Alliance, came second with 87 seats.
A new party, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) – “spear of the nation” in the Zulu language, backed by former president Jacob Zuma, won 58 seats, while the radical left Economic Freedom Fighters, came fourth with 39 seats.
The ANC has said it was open to talk to all political parties to form a coalition government following the election.
Published 03 June 2024, 02:56 IST
In the recent general election in South Africa, the ANC secured 159 seats in the National Assembly, signaling a loss of its outright majority. The Democratic Alliance followed with 87 seats, while the newly emerged uMkhonto we Sizwe and the Economic Freedom Fighters won 58 and 39 seats respectively. This outcome marks a shift in the country’s political landscape and opens the possibility of a coalition government. The ANC, despite its reduced representation, expressed willingness to engage with other parties for governance. As South Africa navigates through this post-election period, it sets the stage for new collaborations and policy directions that may shape the nation’s future.\
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