Initial election returns in South Africa show the ruling African National Congress at below 50 percent of the vote on Thursday. If current trends continue, the only ruling party that the country has known since multi-racial elections were first held in 1994 could find itself having to enter a coalition for the first time in its history.
Early results show the ANC in first place with 42 percent of the vote, an apparent underperformance from its worst execution in 2019 when it received 57 percent, and a far distance from its best achievement of 70 percent in 2004.
The election was widely seen as a referendum on the living situation in the country. The continent’s most advanced economy has struggled with persistent corruption, violent crime, an inefficient civil service, and housing shortages for decades.
Throughout the campaign season, ANC spokespersons gave no indication regarding what parties they would consider entering into a government with should they fail to get an absolute majority.
Under the nation’s election laws, the results must be announced within seven days of the polls closing.
