South African President Cyril Ramaphosa requested the nation’s political factions to pool their efforts in order to address the populace’s requirements, following revealing election results which stripped his ruling party of their parliamentary majority.
Following the announcement of the result on Sunday, Mr Ramaphosa proclaimed that the expectation of the South African population was for their political parties to form a unified front, put aside their disparities and take concerted action for the collective benefit.
These words of affirmation from the President occurred on the heels of a disappointing electoral outcome for his African National Congress (ANC) party. A frustrated electorate, worn down by continual government corruption, ineptitude, and disorder, received the ANC’s worst electoral score in their post-apartheid history.
With only 40.18 per cent of the votes in the recent election, falling over 17 per cent from their 2019 performance, the ANC, victorious in each general election since 1994, must now seek coalition opportunities with major contenders or a consortium of smaller factions to maintain power.
Due to the ANC’s disappointing election results, some pundits speculated whether there would be impending calls for Mr Ramaphosa to vacate his post. Nonetheless, it was confirmed by one of the party’s top six leaders on Sunday that Mr Ramaphosa would continue to lead the ANC.
During an interview before the official outcome, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula cautioned rival parties that any coalition discussions would not incorporate the removal of Mr Ramaphosa.
Mbalula stated “Ramaphosa is the ANC’s president. Any negotiations that place such demands are dismissed. We will engage everyone, but not under dictated terms.”
The second place was secured by the Democratic Alliance with 21.80 per cent of the vote. The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, backed by former president Jacob Zuma, was third securing 14.59 per cent of the votes. The radical left-wing party, Economic Freedom Fighters, came in fourth with 9.51 per cent of the votes.
Mr Mbalula communicated that the ANC must persist with the remedial actions initiated under Mr Ramaphosa’s rule. He stressed this was crucial for party rejuvenation, warning that failure to do so may lead to the party’s demise.
Ever since it was apparent that the ANC would not maintain its majority in the parliament, the proposition of forming a national unity government with other major parties became increasingly popular. This is reminiscent of the government formed post-Apartheid in 1994 to foster reconciliation.
Premature election results indicate that the ANC may need to form a coalition to maintain power in South Africa. Tensions were, however, high on Sunday when Mr Zuma called upon the Independent Electoral Commission on Saturday to delay the announcement of the election results. This was due to his party’s belief that there were corrupt practices in the election and that a revote was necessary.
Zuma stated that they should not be coerced into accepting unconvincing results. He also said that they welcomed a thorough examination from the institution, warning possible provocations in the event of premature conclusions.
A number of minor parties also doubted the verifiability of the election outcome, though no other major party except the MK party questioned it. Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, reassured that the country’s security forces were well-equipped to maintain peace during the general elections.