S. Africa Elections: Why Coalition Gov’t Is Inevitable

The 7th general election results 2024 has brought South Africa to a new political path as ANC
loses its parliamentary majority seat securing 40% of the national assembly vote.

The African National Congress (ANC) got over 40% support nationally, followed by the
Democratic Alliance (DA) with almost 22%, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party got 14.59% and
the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) with 9.5%.

Out of the 27.7 million registered voters, only 16.2 million casted out their votes, the voters’
turnout was 58.61% marking the lowest turnout ever in south African political history, despite
the fact that the voters’ turnout has been declining over the past years.

80 political parties are headed to the national assembly compared to the previous election with 7
new parties making entry to the parliament, the national assembly having total 400 seats, DA
managed to secure 87 seats, MK with 58 seats, EFF 39 seats, IFP 17 seats, PA 9 seats, Action SA
bagging 6 seats adding to 216 majority seats making ANC the minority with 159 seats.

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ANC loses a 30-year parliamentary majority seats for the first time since it gained power during
the end of apartheid regime in 1994, thus will need a coalition alliance to surpass the 50% rule in
order to form a government. This fall back of supporters is due to corruption high unemployment
and economic mismanagement during their ruling term.

The national decision on the formation of coalition government will determine the fate of the
province.

Chief electoral officer, SY Mamabolo praised south Africans and the IEC official for conduction
free and fair election as president Cyril Ramaphosa urged people to respect IEC instructions and
wishes.