ANC Faces Tough Challenge in Historic Polls

IEC’s meticulous vote counting process unveils a shifting political landscape in Gauteng.

(The Post News)- South Africans headed to the polls on May 29 in a pivotal election that marked the country’s seventh democratic general election since apartheid ended in 1994. With 30 years of dominance, the African National Congress (ANC, a beacon of the country’s post-apartheid era, faces a formidable challenge as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and other parties make significant inroads, particularly in Gauteng, the nation’s economic hub.

With over 27.79 million South Africans aged 18 and above registered for the elections this year, up from 26.74 million in 2019. Early results indicate a tight race among the leading political parties. The ANC has surged ahead in the national vote count, reaching a significant milestone of over one million votes, as the country awaits the final results of the 2024 general elections.

As the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) continues its meticulous vote counting process, early results indicate that the ANC has secured approximately 43.39% of the national vote. This figure, while placing them in the lead, showcases a notable dip compared to previous years, hinting at the electorate’s shifting sentiments. The Democratic Alliance (DA) trails with 24.83%, yet exhibits a robust performance, especially in key districts. These figures are subject to change as more votes are counted and verified.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the newly emerged MK party are also vying for their share of the political pie, with 8.83% and 8.06% respectively. These numbers not only reflect the diversification of political preferences among South Africans but also underscore the vibrant and competitive nature of the nation’s democracy.

The DA, on the other hand, has shown resilience and growth, particularly in Gauteng, where the party’s spokesperson Mike Moriarty confidently declared, “We think we can get close to them, largely on the basis that we have improved the favourability of ourselves among the voters, I think it was demonstrated in the queues,” signalling a robust challenge to the ANC’s dominance. This sentiment of optimism is shared by the DA’s supporters, who see this election as a turning point for the party and the country.

As the nation awaits the final results, the current standings suggest a fragmented political landscape, with no single party achieving an outright majority. The final results will not only shape the composition of the government but also set the tone for the nation’s future political discourse.