South Africa Holds Landmark General Election
South Africa Holds Landmark General Election
The Facts
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.
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.
The Spin
While South Africa still faces significant challenges due to its apartheid history, but the ANC has achieved a great deal. Underunder Ramaphosa, including several economic reforms were implemented, and effective measures that were taken to combat crime and corruption. Moreover, decisive action led to reduced 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.
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 willmust hold the ANC accountable for undermining the country's institutions and its future as a democratic and prosperous nation for over 30 years.
TheSouth ANCAfrican maydemocracy loseis itsfacing majority,unprecedented but the decisive factor will be the extent of the losseschallenges. If the ANC falls just short of a majority, the Inkatha Freedom Party is seen as the most likely coalition partner; if itthe ANC 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 unique risks to social cohesion; whatever the outcome, South African democracy faces unprecedented challenges.
