- South Africa's ANC loses controlling majority in election.
- Party's support declines significantly, despite winning most votes.
- Historic shift in political landscape, potentially leading to coalition government.
- ANC acknowledges weaknesses, seeks to regain public trust.
The African National Congress (ANC), South Africa’s ruling party, suffered a significant setback in Wednesday’s general election, losing its controlling majority.
Despite winning the most votes, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula acknowledged on Sunday that the party’s performance was not worth celebrating.
Mbalula addressed a press conference, where he conceded that the election results showed a substantial decline in ANC support compared to previous elections. The party’s reduced majority marks a historic shift in South Africa’s political landscape, as the ANC has held a comfortable majority since the country’s transition to democracy in 1994.
Mbalula attributed the decline in support to various factors, including internal party struggles and the country’s socio-economic challenges. He assured that the ANC would engage in discussions with other parties in the coming days to explore potential coalitions and collaborations.
The party’s loss of majority control may lead to a more inclusive and diverse government, as the ANC seeks to form alliances with smaller parties. Mbalula emphasized the need for the ANC to introspect and address its internal weaknesses to regain the trust of the electorate.
The election results reflect a growing discontent among South Africans with the ANC’s governance and handling of key issues like corruption, unemployment, and economic growth. As the ANC navigates this new political terrain, Mbalula’s remarks signal a willingness to adapt and work with other parties to address the country’s pressing challenges.
