South Africa’s opposition parties make a final call for historic change the day before election
South Africa’s opposition parties make a final call for historic change the day before election
A man carries brooms and dusters for sale at a market in downtown Durban, South Africa, Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
The leader of Inkatha Freedom Party, Velenkosi Hlabisa, waves to the crowd during an election rally in Richards Bay, near Durban, South Africa, Sunday, May 26, 2024, in anticipation of the 2024 general elections scheduled for May 29. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
A man cycles past an Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) poster with the face of its leader Julius Malema, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on Wednesday, May, 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Emandleni informal settlement in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on Wednesday, May, 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
An electoral worker holds a sign to indicate polling stations at Zibambeleni old age home in KwaDadeka, near Durban, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on May. 29. The special voting is for registered voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of physical challenges such as disability, pregnancy or advanced age. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Residents wait their turn to cast their vote during an especial voting day at Zibambeleni old age home in KwaDadeka, near Durban, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on May. 29. The special voting is for registered voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of physical challenges such as disability, pregnancy or advanced age. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Ballots on view at a polling station during an especial voting day at Zibambeleni old age home in KwaDadeka, near Durban, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on May. 29. The special voting is for registered voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of physical challenges such as disability, pregnancy or advanced age. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
A man fills out a ballot paper before casting it during an especial voting day at Zibambeleni old age home in KwaDadeka, near Durban, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on May. 29. The special voting is for registered voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of physical challenges such as disability, pregnancy or advanced age. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Supporters of Inkatha Freedom Party dance during an election rally in Richards Bay, near Durban, South Africa, Sunday, May 26, 2024, in anticipation of the 2024 general elections scheduled for May 29. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
A military officer looks out as residents cast their ballots during an especial voting day at Zibambeleni old age home in KwaDadeka, near Durban, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on May. 29. The special voting is for registered voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of physical challenges such as disability, pregnancy or advanced age. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Rosemary Langenhoven, 65, waits to cast her vote during an especial voting day at Zibambeleni old age home in KwaDadeka, near Durban, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on May. 29. The special voting is for registered voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of physical challenges such as disability, pregnancy or advanced age. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sings the national anthem at the Siyanqoba rally at FNB stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2024. South African will vote in the 2024 general elections May 29. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), leader Julius Malema arrives at a final election rally in Polokwane, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2024. South African will vote in the 2024 general elections May 29. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
FILE - Former South African President Jacob Zuma, centre, arrives at Orlando stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, for the launch of his newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party’s manifesto launch on May 18, 2024. South Africans will vote Wednesday to decide whether their country will take its most significant political step since the moment 30 years ago when it brought down apartheid and achieved democracy. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File)
Main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party leader, John Steenhuisen, delivers his speech at a final election rally in Benoni, South Africa, Sunday, May 26, 2024. South Africans will vote in the 2024 general elections on May 29. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
An array of election posters from various political parties are displayed on poles in Pretoria, South Africa, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
A man carries brooms and dusters for sale at a market in downtown Durban, South Africa, Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
A man carries brooms and dusters for sale at a market in downtown Durban, South Africa, Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
The leader of Inkatha Freedom Party, Velenkosi Hlabisa, waves to the crowd during an election rally in Richards Bay, near Durban, South Africa, Sunday, May 26, 2024, in anticipation of the 2024 general elections scheduled for May 29. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
The leader of Inkatha Freedom Party, Velenkosi Hlabisa, waves to the crowd during an election rally in Richards Bay, near Durban, South Africa, Sunday, May 26, 2024, in anticipation of the 2024 general elections scheduled for May 29. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
A man cycles past an Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) poster with the face of its leader Julius Malema, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on Wednesday, May, 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
A man cycles past an Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) poster with the face of its leader Julius Malema, in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on Wednesday, May, 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Emandleni informal settlement in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on Wednesday, May, 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Emandleni informal settlement in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on Wednesday, May, 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
An electoral worker holds a sign to indicate polling stations at Zibambeleni old age home in KwaDadeka, near Durban, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on May. 29. The special voting is for registered voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of physical challenges such as disability, pregnancy or advanced age. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
An electoral worker holds a sign to indicate polling stations at Zibambeleni old age home in KwaDadeka, near Durban, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on May. 29. The special voting is for registered voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of physical challenges such as disability, pregnancy or advanced age. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Residents wait their turn to cast their vote during an especial voting day at Zibambeleni old age home in KwaDadeka, near Durban, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on May. 29. The special voting is for registered voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of physical challenges such as disability, pregnancy or advanced age. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Residents wait their turn to cast their vote during an especial voting day at Zibambeleni old age home in KwaDadeka, near Durban, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on May. 29. The special voting is for registered voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of physical challenges such as disability, pregnancy or advanced age. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Ballots on view at a polling station during an especial voting day at Zibambeleni old age home in KwaDadeka, near Durban, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on May. 29. The special voting is for registered voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of physical challenges such as disability, pregnancy or advanced age. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Ballots on view at a polling station during an especial voting day at Zibambeleni old age home in KwaDadeka, near Durban, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on May. 29. The special voting is for registered voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of physical challenges such as disability, pregnancy or advanced age. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
A man fills out a ballot paper before casting it during an especial voting day at Zibambeleni old age home in KwaDadeka, near Durban, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on May. 29. The special voting is for registered voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of physical challenges such as disability, pregnancy or advanced age. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
A man fills out a ballot paper before casting it during an especial voting day at Zibambeleni old age home in KwaDadeka, near Durban, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on May. 29. The special voting is for registered voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of physical challenges such as disability, pregnancy or advanced age. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Supporters of Inkatha Freedom Party dance during an election rally in Richards Bay, near Durban, South Africa, Sunday, May 26, 2024, in anticipation of the 2024 general elections scheduled for May 29. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Supporters of Inkatha Freedom Party dance during an election rally in Richards Bay, near Durban, South Africa, Sunday, May 26, 2024, in anticipation of the 2024 general elections scheduled for May 29. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
A military officer looks out as residents cast their ballots during an especial voting day at Zibambeleni old age home in KwaDadeka, near Durban, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on May. 29. The special voting is for registered voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of physical challenges such as disability, pregnancy or advanced age. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
A military officer looks out as residents cast their ballots during an especial voting day at Zibambeleni old age home in KwaDadeka, near Durban, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on May. 29. The special voting is for registered voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of physical challenges such as disability, pregnancy or advanced age. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Rosemary Langenhoven, 65, waits to cast her vote during an especial voting day at Zibambeleni old age home in KwaDadeka, near Durban, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on May. 29. The special voting is for registered voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of physical challenges such as disability, pregnancy or advanced age. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Rosemary Langenhoven, 65, waits to cast her vote during an especial voting day at Zibambeleni old age home in KwaDadeka, near Durban, South Africa, Monday, May 27, 2024. South Africans who received special permission to vote early were casting their ballots on Monday, ahead of main elections on May. 29. The special voting is for registered voters who are unable to travel to a voting station because of physical challenges such as disability, pregnancy or advanced age. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sings the national anthem at the Siyanqoba rally at FNB stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2024. South African will vote in the 2024 general elections May 29. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sings the national anthem at the Siyanqoba rally at FNB stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2024. South African will vote in the 2024 general elections May 29. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), leader Julius Malema arrives at a final election rally in Polokwane, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2024. South African will vote in the 2024 general elections May 29. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), leader Julius Malema arrives at a final election rally in Polokwane, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2024. South African will vote in the 2024 general elections May 29. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
FILE - Former South African President Jacob Zuma, centre, arrives at Orlando stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, for the launch of his newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party’s manifesto launch on May 18, 2024. South Africans will vote Wednesday to decide whether their country will take its most significant political step since the moment 30 years ago when it brought down apartheid and achieved democracy. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File)
FILE - Former South African President Jacob Zuma, centre, arrives at Orlando stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, for the launch of his newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party’s manifesto launch on May 18, 2024. South Africans will vote Wednesday to decide whether their country will take its most significant political step since the moment 30 years ago when it brought down apartheid and achieved democracy. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay, File)
Main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party leader, John Steenhuisen, delivers his speech at a final election rally in Benoni, South Africa, Sunday, May 26, 2024. South Africans will vote in the 2024 general elections on May 29. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party leader, John Steenhuisen, delivers his speech at a final election rally in Benoni, South Africa, Sunday, May 26, 2024. South Africans will vote in the 2024 general elections on May 29. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
An array of election posters from various political parties are displayed on poles in Pretoria, South Africa, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
An array of election posters from various political parties are displayed on poles in Pretoria, South Africa, Thursday, May 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — South African opposition parties made a final appeal to voters Tuesday as the country faces the possibility of a landmark change in its young democracy.
At the heart of Wednesday’s national election is the question of whether South Africans will deliver their biggest rejection yet of the ruling African National Congress party, which has governed since the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule in 1994.
The ANC has won a majority in every national election over the last 30 years, but several polls put its support at less than 50% ahead of this one, raising the chance of a major shift in Africa’s most advanced economy. Final election results are expected by Sunday.
As the ANC’s appeal as liberator fades among younger voters with no memory of apartheid, opposition parties are closing in and vowing to deliver on promises that many feel have gone unfulfilled.
Main opposition leader John Steenhuisen of the Democratic Alliance party called it “South Africa’s most consequential election in post-democratic history.” He urged people to vote the ANC out to “rescue” the country.
“There’s so much at stake in this election, people cannot stay at home,” Steenhuisen said as he campaigned in the party’s stronghold of Cape Town.
The Economic Freedom Fighters, the third biggest party in Parliament, said it was calling on supporters to “flood the voting stations to have our say tomorrow.”
The ANC asserted that it was “the only authentic political party with the capacity and experience to govern.”
South Africa’s opposition parties have highlighted the widespread poverty, high unemployment and failure of basic government services in many communities as reasons to turn away from the ANC after three decades.
But there likely will not be a new ruling party in its place.
The ANC is still expected to win the most seats in Parliament. But without an outright majority it might need to rely on a coalition to govern and reelect President Cyril Ramaphosa for a second and final five-year term. That’s never happened before in South Africa. Who in the opposition the ANC might turn to is still not clear.
The ANC insists it is focused on retaining its majority.
Voting began Monday and Tuesday with South Africans who were given special permission, like older people, members of the armed forces and critical workers, casting early ballots. A little over 600,000 people were registered to vote early, the independent electoral commission said.
The vast majority of the nearly 28 million registered voters in the country of 62 million are expected to go to the polls across South Africa’s nine provinces on Wednesday, which is a national holiday.
More than 50 parties are registered to contest the national election, the most ever, according to the electoral commission. Many of the parties are new. Independent candidates are also allowed to stand for the first time.
That’s given rise to a fragmented opposition which also includes former South African President Jacob Zuma’s new MK Party.
Shamiso Tebogo Bopape, a 21-year-old University of Johannesburg student, said there was not one clear opposition party for her and other young people to choose.
“We don’t know who to put our trust in,” she said. “The smaller parties, they have not been placed in these more affluent positions or bigger positions. We haven’t given them enough power to see what they would do in that position, so we can’t necessarily say we trust them.”
The electoral commission has said the special voting generally started smoothly. South Africa has held largely peaceful and credible elections since a violent buildup to the pivotal 1994 vote that brought down apartheid.
The commission did say it faced a battle against election misinformation. In the latest example, it said that South Africans would be allowed to vote even if they had manicured or false fingernails, debunking claims they wouldn’t. Such nails would not affect how officials apply a mark of indelible ink at the base of the left thumb to indicate someone has voted, the commission said.
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Risemberg reported from Johannesburg.
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AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa