Guardian

‘People have died on the waiting lists’: South Africa’s housing crisis casts a shadow over election

South Africans began voting on Wednesday in the most competitive election since the end of apartheid, with polls suggesting the ruling African National Congress (ANC) could lose its outright majority and end its 30-year political dominance.

France 24

South Africans began voting on Wednesday in the most competitive election since the end of apartheid, with polls suggesting the ruling African National Congress (ANC) could lose its outright majority.

South Africans began voting on Wednesday in the most competitive election since the end of apartheid, with polls suggesting the ruling African National Congress (ANC) could lose its outright parliamentary majority.

Over 27M South Africans are registered to cast their votes at over 23K polling stations for the provincial assemblies in the country's nine provinces and for a new national parliament, which will then pick the next president.

Reuters

Addressing thousands at Soweto’s FNB soccer stadium ANC leader and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa most recently called Wednesday’s vote "one of the most important elections" in the country’s history."

Addressing thousands of supporters, ANC leader, and President Cyril Ramaphosa called Wednesday's vote "one of the most important elections" in the history of the country, plagued by record unemployment levels, corruption, and crime.

Opposition leader John Steenhuisen, of the Democratic Alliance (DA), warned of a "doomsday scenario" if the vote results in a coalition of the ANC, the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters and the new uMkhonto WeSizwe, backed by former president Jacob Zuma.

Monitor

John Steenhuisen, leader of the largest opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), warned of "doomsday" should the ANC, the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters, and the new uMkhonto WeSizwe, backed by former Pres. Jacob Zuma, form a coalition.

Meanwhile, South African Electoral Commission chief Sy Mamabolo on Tuesday lamented what he called a “clear orchestration to undermine the credibility” of the electoral result, along with alleged social media efforts to damage the IEC's credibility.

Meanwhile, South African Electoral Commission chief Sy Mamabolo on Tuesday condemned what he called a "clear orchestration to undermine the credibility" of the electoral result, along with alleged social media efforts to damage the IEC's credibility.

Several polls show support for the ANC at less than 50% for the first time, which under the country's parliamentary electoral system would force the ANC to form a coalition if it wants to re-elect President Cyril Ramaphosa.

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While South Africa still faces major challenges due to its apartheid history, the ANC has achieved a great deal. Under Ramaphosa, several economic reforms were implemented and effective measures were taken to combat crime and corruption. Moreover, decisive action led to a reduction in power cuts and the revitalization of infrastructure and the construction industry. The ANC led South Africa out of apartheid and will deliver on the promise of the rainbow nation.

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Family meeting: Ramaphosa trumpets success stories on the eve of elections

The ANC can no longer rest on the laurels of the past, while economic and social conditions are becoming unbearable for an ever increasing number of South Africans. The country is on the brink of collapse due to the ANC's corruption, mismanagement and abuse of power for the sake of personal and political gains. The people will hold the ANC to account for undermining the country's institutions and its future as a democratic and prosperous nation over 30 years.

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Vote DA to hold Ramaphosa accountable for desecrating the presidency

There is a 20% chance, that the ANC will receive more than 50% of the vote in the 2024 South African general electionl, according to the Metaculus prediction community.

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ANC receiving >50% of the vote in 2024

J. Countess/Contributor/Getty Images News via Gett Images

South Africa Votes in Election That Could Bring Biggest Shift Since 1994

South Africa

Politics

Electoral systems

The ANC may lose its majority, but the decisive factor is going to be the extent of the losses. If the ANC falls just short of a majority, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is seen as the most likely coalition partner; if it falls below 40%, a coalition of the ANC with the pro-business DA or the ultra-left EFF may be on the cards. All three scenarios pose their unique risks to social cohesion, and whatever the outcome, South African democracy is set to face unprecedented challenges.

South Africa Votes in Election That Could Bring Biggest Shift Since 1994

South Africa Votes in Election That Could Bring Biggest Shift Since 1994

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Metaculus Prediction

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South Africa Votes in Election That Could Bring Biggest Shift Since 1994

South Africa Votes in Election That Could Bring Biggest Shift Since 1994

The Spin

Metaculus Prediction

Articles on this story

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