South Africans Participate in Highly Competitive Election Post-Apartheid

South Africans are heading to the polls in what is being described as the most competitive election since the end of apartheid. The African National Congress (ANC), which has been in power for the past 30 years, is facing the possibility of losing its parliamentary majority.

Led by Nelson Mandela, the ANC came to power in 1994 in South Africa’s first multi-racial election. However, over the years, the party’s share of the vote has been gradually declining. If the ANC falls short of 50% this time, it will have to form a coalition with smaller parties to govern, a situation that the country has not experienced before.

Despite the challenges, the ANC is still expected to win the largest share of the vote, ensuring that President Cyril Ramaphosa remains in office. Voter dissatisfaction over issues such as high unemployment, crime, power blackouts, and corruption within the party has contributed to the ANC’s decline in popularity.

Opposition parties, including the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters, are vying for power and hoping to capitalize on the ANC’s waning support. Former president Jacob Zuma is also backing a new party, adding another dimension to the political landscape.

With more than 27 million South Africans registered to vote, the election commission is expected to start releasing partial results shortly after polling stations close. The final results are expected within seven days, shaping the future of South Africa’s political landscape.