South Africa Faces Uncertain Election Outcome: ANC’s Majority at Risk
South Africans are gearing up to cast their votes on Wednesday 29th May 2024 in what could mark the most significant political juncture since the end of apartheid and the advent of democracy in 1994.
While the upcoming national election may not hold the same historic weight as its predecessor three decades ago, it carries profound implications for the African National Congress (ANC), the party that led the struggle against apartheid and has governed the country ever since.
The ANC’s election rally in Johannesburg over the weekend underscored the pivotal focus on the party’s fate, with many speculating whether it will lose its parliamentary majority for the first time.
Amidst rising discontent fueled by soaring levels of unemployment and poverty, the ANC faces a formidable challenge as South Africans consider alternative political options.
John Steenhuisen, leader of the main opposition Democratic Alliance party, emphasized the need for change, stating, “Thirty years of South African democracy does not mean we should endure an eternity under the ANC.”
While several polls indicate the ANC’s support dipping below 50%, no single opposition party has emerged as a clear contender to overtake it. Nonetheless, the possibility of the ANC losing its majority signifies a potential shift in the country’s political landscape.
Should the ANC fail to secure an outright majority, it may be forced to form coalitions or agreements with other parties to retain power, signaling an end to its unchallenged dominance in post-apartheid South Africa.
Criticism against the ANC spans from corruption scandals to its inability to address violent crime and provide basic government services.
Joblessness and poverty remain pressing issues, with South Africa grappling with the world’s worst official unemployment rate and a significant portion of its population living below the poverty line.
ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosa has pledged to prioritize job creation and extend social support programs in a bid to address these challenges.
However, analysts caution that the ANC’s traditional support base may not be sufficient to secure its majority, particularly amidst growing discontent, especially among the youth.
Source: AP News
