As South Africa awaits the final election results, attention is shifting towards the potential for coalition talks following the ANC’s loss of its majority for the first time in 30 years of full democracy.
Ramaphosa’s bitter rival, the former President Jacob Zuma, whose new party came a surprise third, said the results announcement should not go ahead.
Zuma said, “People would be provoked”, raising the specter of the deadly riots that broke out when he was sent to prison in 2021.
The ANC, which led the fight to free South Africa from apartheid, saw its support collapse from 57.5% in the 2019 elections to 40.2% in the latest polls, largely attributed to high unemployment, power cuts, violent crime, and crumbling infrastructure.
This significant drop in support has placed the ANC in its weakest position since it swept to power under Nelson Mandela in 1994.
The ANC’s General Secretary, Fikile Mbalula, has made it clear that any demand for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down is a “no-go area” for coalition talks.
On Sunday morning, 2nd June, 2024, Mbalula, told a press conference at the election results center, “If you come to us with a demand that Ramaphosa must step down as the President that is not going to happen. It’s a no-go area. You come to us with that demand, forget it.”
This stance comes amidst tensions fueled by former President Jacob Zuma, whose new party, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), emerged as a surprising third force in the election.
MK leaders have said they will not work with the ANC while it is led by Ramaphosa, who Zuma is hell-bent on exacting revenge against.
Zuma was President from 2009 to 2018 and was forced to resign by the ANC amid corruption allegations, which he denies.
“Political parties have approached us and we will be talking to … everybody.” Mbalula said.
He added, “Talks about talks are in full swing.”
“We’ve got many reservations about that party, but we will talk to them, but no political party will dictate terms like that to us as the ANC.” he said of the MK.
Zuma Expresses That Announcement Of Final Results Should Not Proceed
Zuma has expressed concerns that the announcement of final results should not proceed, fearing it could provoke violence reminiscent of the deadly riots that followed his imprisonment in 2021.
Coalition talks are expected to involve various parties, including the pro-business Democratic Alliance (DA), the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and potentially the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
The DA has indicated openness to a coalition or a “confidence and supply” arrangement with the ANC, despite criticism from some quarters.
The EFF, led by Julius Malema, is seen as a likely partner for the left-wing faction of the ANC, although achieving a majority would require another partner, such as the IFP.
Meanwhile, the MK has been demanding a recount, making unsubstantiated allegations of vote rigging.
The process of forming a new ruling coalition is complicated by the constitutional requirement for parliament to convene within 14 days of the final election results to elect a president.
This tight timeline adds pressure to the negotiations, especially as the ANC explores options beyond Zuma’s MK party and considers potential alliances that could mitigate criticism from black South Africans wary of the DA’s perceived favoritism towards white interests.
The outcome of these coalition talks will significantly impact South Africa’s political landscape, potentially leading to the country’s first-ever coalition government.
The challenges ahead include navigating the political dynamics between the ANC, its rivals, and the broader public, while addressing the pressing issues facing the nation.
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