What to expect from South Africa’s upcoming election: A defining moment with potential new complications

South Africa is gearing up for a pivotal election that will determine the future of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, which has been in power since the end of apartheid 30 years ago. President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC are facing a tough battle to maintain their parliamentary majority, with polls indicating that the party may receive less than 50% of the national vote for the first time.

While the ANC is still expected to gain the largest share of votes, it may need to form a coalition government to stay in power. This could bring new complications to the country, as recent coalitions at the local level have been unsuccessful.

The election, set for May 29, will see 70 political parties vying for seats in Parliament. The main opposition parties, the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters, are hoping to capitalize on the ANC’s declining popularity. However, with a diverse political landscape and a multitude of smaller parties in the mix, the outcome remains uncertain.

Unemployment and poverty are among the key issues driving voter discontent, as many South Africans feel that the ANC has not done enough to improve their lives. Other concerns include high rates of violent crime, government corruption scandals, and a crisis within the state-owned electricity supplier that has led to nationwide blackouts.

As South Africa prepares for its seventh fully democratic national election, the outcome will not only shape the country’s future but also have implications for the African continent as a whole. Stay tuned for updates on this historic election.