The African National Congress (ANC), South Africa's ruling party since the end of apartheid in 1994, has suffered a significant blow in the municipal elections. With 80% of ballots counted, the ANC has secured 31.78% of the vote, according to the electoral commission. Projections suggest a final result of around 31.5%, a historically low figure for the party. This decline marks a continuation of the ANC's downward trend, following its loss of majority in the 2024 national elections.
The ANC's poor performance has been matched by a strong showing from the Democratic Alliance (DA), which has secured 24.22% of the vote, up from 21.66% in the 2021 municipal elections. The DA has claimed victory in several major metropolitan areas, including Pretoria and Johannesburg, although it will likely need to form coalitions to take control of these cities. In Cape Town, the DA's mayoral candidate, Geordin Hill-Lewis, is poised for a comfortable re-election, with over 61% of the vote after 57% of ballots were counted.
The municipal elections have seen a higher turnout than in 2021, with 54.45% of eligible voters casting ballots, according to the electoral commission. This figure is still lower than the 57.95% recorded in 2016. The results reflect a shifting political landscape in South Africa, with the ANC facing increasing pressure due to its declining support.
The ANC's decline has been attributed to growing discontent with its governance and service delivery. The party has been criticized for its handling of issues such as corruption, unemployment, and infrastructure development. The DA's strong performance has been seen as a reflection of its effective campaigning and its ability to capitalize on ANC's weaknesses.
The election results have significant implications for the ANC, which is set to hold a congress next year to choose a new leader. The party's poor performance has raised questions about its future and the potential for a leadership change. The DA's gains have also raised hopes among opposition parties that they can challenge the ANC's dominance in future elections.
The municipal elections were seen as a crucial test for the ANC, which has been struggling to regain the trust of voters. The party's decline has created opportunities for other parties to gain ground and challenge its dominance. The results have also highlighted the need for the ANC to address its internal challenges and improve its service delivery.
The election results reflect a changing political landscape in South Africa, with the ANC facing increasing competition from other parties. The DA's strong performance has positioned it as a major player in South African politics, and its gains are likely to have significant implications for the country's future.
Key points
- ANC's 31.5% vote share marks its worst electoral performance since 1994.
- DA secures 24.22% of the vote, up from 21.66% in 2021 municipal elections.
- Election turnout reaches 54.45%, higher than in 2021 but lower than in 2016.
