A guide to what’s next for South Africa and the key figures in unprecedented coalition talks
A guide to what’s next for South Africa and the key figures in unprecedented coalition talks
Guests and delegates use their phone at the formal announcement Sunday, June 2, 2024 of the results in South Africa’s general elections at the National Results Operations Center in Johannesburg, South Africa. Humbled by a stinging election result, South Africa’s African National Congress was talking to everyone in an effort to form a stable coalition government for Africa’s most advanced economy after it lost its 30-year majority. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his speech at the formal announcement of the results in South Africa’s general elections at the National Results Operations Center in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday, June 2, 2024. Humbled by a stinging election result, South Africa’s African National Congress was talking to everyone in an effort to form a stable coalition government for Africa’s most advanced economy after it lost its 30-year majority. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
A woman waits to enter a portable public restroom during an election meeting organized by Ukhonto weSizwe party in Mpumalanga, near Durban, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2024, ahead of the 2024 general elections scheduled for May 29. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa adresses African National Congress supporters 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)
Former president and now leader of the MK Party, Jacob Zuma, arrives at the Results Operation Centre (ROC) in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, June 1, 2024. The African National Congress party has lost its parliamentary majority in a historic election result that puts South Africa on a new political path for the first time since the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule 30 years ago. (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)
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)
South African Democratic Alliance opposition leader John Steenhuisen arrives at the formal announcement of the results in South Africa’s general elections at the National Results Operations Center in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday, June 2, 2024. Humbled by a stinging election result, South Africa’s African National Congress was talking to everyone in an effort to form a stable coalition government for Africa’s most advanced economy after it lost its 30-year majority. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks during the announcement of the results in South Africa’s general elections in Johannesburg, South Africa on Sunday, June 2, 2024. Humbled by a stinging election result, South Africa’s African National Congress was talking to everyone in an effort to form a stable coalition government for Africa’s most advanced economy after it lost its 30-year majority. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Guests and delegates use their phone at the formal announcement of the results in South Africa’s general elections at the National Results Operations Center in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday, June 2, 2024. Humbled by a stinging election result, South Africa’s African National Congress was talking to everyone in an effort to form a stable coalition government for Africa’s most advanced economy after it lost its 30-year majority. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
Former president of the A.N.C. and South Africa, Jacob Zuma, arrives at the polling station in Nkandla, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, Wednesday, May 29, 2024 during the general elections. South Africans are voting in an election seen as their country’s most important in 30 years, and one that could put them in unknown territory in the short history of their democracy, the three-decade dominance of the African National Congress party being the target of a new generation of discontent in a country of 62 million people. (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)
MK Party supporters celebrate in the middle of the street in Mahlbnathini village in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, on Thursday May 30, 2024. MK Party is currently leading in the provincial poll against the ANC, who’ve held the stronghold in the province for the last 20 years. (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)
Voters wait outside a poling station on Wednesday May 29, 2024, during general elections in KwaMfana, South Africa. South Africans are voting in an election seen as their country’s most important in 30 years, and one that could put them in unknown territory in the short history of their democracy, the three-decade dominance of the African National Congress party being the target of a new generation of discontent in a country of 62 million people — half of whom are estimated to be living in poverty. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Children sit by the side of the road next to a polling station, during general elections in Nkandla, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, Wednesday May 29, 2024. South Africans are voting in an election seen as their country’s most important in 30 years, and one that could put them in unknown territory in the short history of their democracy, the three-decade dominance of the African National Congress party being the target of a new generation of discontent in a country of 62 million people — half of whom are estimated to be living in poverty. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Thousands of voters line up to cast their ballot near Wits University, Wednesday May 29, 2024 for the general elections in Johannesburg, South Africa. South Africans are voting in an election seen as their country’s most important in 30 years, and one that could put them in unknown territory in the short history of their democracy, the three-decade dominance of the African National Congress party being the target of a new generation of discontent in a country of 62 million people — half of whom are estimated to be living in poverty. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
Guests and delegates use their phone at the formal announcement Sunday, June 2, 2024 of the results in South Africa’s general elections at the National Results Operations Center in Johannesburg, South Africa. Humbled by a stinging election result, South Africa’s African National Congress was talking to everyone in an effort to form a stable coalition government for Africa’s most advanced economy after it lost its 30-year majority. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
Guests and delegates use their phone at the formal announcement Sunday, June 2, 2024 of the results in South Africa’s general elections at the National Results Operations Center in Johannesburg, South Africa. Humbled by a stinging election result, South Africa’s African National Congress was talking to everyone in an effort to form a stable coalition government for Africa’s most advanced economy after it lost its 30-year majority. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his speech at the formal announcement of the results in South Africa’s general elections at the National Results Operations Center in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday, June 2, 2024. Humbled by a stinging election result, South Africa’s African National Congress was talking to everyone in an effort to form a stable coalition government for Africa’s most advanced economy after it lost its 30-year majority. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his speech at the formal announcement of the results in South Africa’s general elections at the National Results Operations Center in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday, June 2, 2024. Humbled by a stinging election result, South Africa’s African National Congress was talking to everyone in an effort to form a stable coalition government for Africa’s most advanced economy after it lost its 30-year majority. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
A woman waits to enter a portable public restroom during an election meeting organized by Ukhonto weSizwe party in Mpumalanga, near Durban, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2024, ahead of the 2024 general elections scheduled for May 29. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
A woman waits to enter a portable public restroom during an election meeting organized by Ukhonto weSizwe party in Mpumalanga, near Durban, South Africa, Saturday, May 25, 2024, ahead of the 2024 general elections scheduled for May 29. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa adresses African National Congress supporters 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 adresses African National Congress supporters 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)
Former president and now leader of the MK Party, Jacob Zuma, arrives at the Results Operation Centre (ROC) in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, June 1, 2024. The African National Congress party has lost its parliamentary majority in a historic election result that puts South Africa on a new political path for the first time since the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule 30 years ago. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
Former president and now leader of the MK Party, Jacob Zuma, arrives at the Results Operation Centre (ROC) in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Saturday, June 1, 2024. The African National Congress party has lost its parliamentary majority in a historic election result that puts South Africa on a new political path for the first time since the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule 30 years ago. (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)
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)
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)
South African Democratic Alliance opposition leader John Steenhuisen arrives at the formal announcement of the results in South Africa’s general elections at the National Results Operations Center in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday, June 2, 2024. Humbled by a stinging election result, South Africa’s African National Congress was talking to everyone in an effort to form a stable coalition government for Africa’s most advanced economy after it lost its 30-year majority. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
South African Democratic Alliance opposition leader John Steenhuisen arrives at the formal announcement of the results in South Africa’s general elections at the National Results Operations Center in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday, June 2, 2024. Humbled by a stinging election result, South Africa’s African National Congress was talking to everyone in an effort to form a stable coalition government for Africa’s most advanced economy after it lost its 30-year majority. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks during the announcement of the results in South Africa’s general elections in Johannesburg, South Africa on Sunday, June 2, 2024. Humbled by a stinging election result, South Africa’s African National Congress was talking to everyone in an effort to form a stable coalition government for Africa’s most advanced economy after it lost its 30-year majority. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks during the announcement of the results in South Africa’s general elections in Johannesburg, South Africa on Sunday, June 2, 2024. Humbled by a stinging election result, South Africa’s African National Congress was talking to everyone in an effort to form a stable coalition government for Africa’s most advanced economy after it lost its 30-year majority. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Guests and delegates use their phone at the formal announcement of the results in South Africa’s general elections at the National Results Operations Center in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday, June 2, 2024. Humbled by a stinging election result, South Africa’s African National Congress was talking to everyone in an effort to form a stable coalition government for Africa’s most advanced economy after it lost its 30-year majority. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
Guests and delegates use their phone at the formal announcement of the results in South Africa’s general elections at the National Results Operations Center in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday, June 2, 2024. Humbled by a stinging election result, South Africa’s African National Congress was talking to everyone in an effort to form a stable coalition government for Africa’s most advanced economy after it lost its 30-year majority. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
Former president of the A.N.C. and South Africa, Jacob Zuma, arrives at the polling station in Nkandla, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, Wednesday, May 29, 2024 during the general elections. South Africans are voting in an election seen as their country’s most important in 30 years, and one that could put them in unknown territory in the short history of their democracy, the three-decade dominance of the African National Congress party being the target of a new generation of discontent in a country of 62 million people. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Former president of the A.N.C. and South Africa, Jacob Zuma, arrives at the polling station in Nkandla, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, Wednesday, May 29, 2024 during the general elections. South Africans are voting in an election seen as their country’s most important in 30 years, and one that could put them in unknown territory in the short history of their democracy, the three-decade dominance of the African National Congress party being the target of a new generation of discontent in a country of 62 million people. (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)
MK Party supporters celebrate in the middle of the street in Mahlbnathini village in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, on Thursday May 30, 2024. MK Party is currently leading in the provincial poll against the ANC, who’ve held the stronghold in the province for the last 20 years. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
MK Party supporters celebrate in the middle of the street in Mahlbnathini village in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, on Thursday May 30, 2024. MK Party is currently leading in the provincial poll against the ANC, who’ve held the stronghold in the province for the last 20 years. (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)
A man carries brooms and dusters for sale at a market in downtown Durban, South Africa, Tuesday, May 28, 2024. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Voters wait outside a poling station on Wednesday May 29, 2024, during general elections in KwaMfana, South Africa. South Africans are voting in an election seen as their country’s most important in 30 years, and one that could put them in unknown territory in the short history of their democracy, the three-decade dominance of the African National Congress party being the target of a new generation of discontent in a country of 62 million people — half of whom are estimated to be living in poverty. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Voters wait outside a poling station on Wednesday May 29, 2024, during general elections in KwaMfana, South Africa. South Africans are voting in an election seen as their country’s most important in 30 years, and one that could put them in unknown territory in the short history of their democracy, the three-decade dominance of the African National Congress party being the target of a new generation of discontent in a country of 62 million people — half of whom are estimated to be living in poverty. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Children sit by the side of the road next to a polling station, during general elections in Nkandla, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, Wednesday May 29, 2024. South Africans are voting in an election seen as their country’s most important in 30 years, and one that could put them in unknown territory in the short history of their democracy, the three-decade dominance of the African National Congress party being the target of a new generation of discontent in a country of 62 million people — half of whom are estimated to be living in poverty. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Children sit by the side of the road next to a polling station, during general elections in Nkandla, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, Wednesday May 29, 2024. South Africans are voting in an election seen as their country’s most important in 30 years, and one that could put them in unknown territory in the short history of their democracy, the three-decade dominance of the African National Congress party being the target of a new generation of discontent in a country of 62 million people — half of whom are estimated to be living in poverty. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)
Thousands of voters line up to cast their ballot near Wits University, Wednesday May 29, 2024 for the general elections in Johannesburg, South Africa. South Africans are voting in an election seen as their country’s most important in 30 years, and one that could put them in unknown territory in the short history of their democracy, the three-decade dominance of the African National Congress party being the target of a new generation of discontent in a country of 62 million people — half of whom are estimated to be living in poverty. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
Thousands of voters line up to cast their ballot near Wits University, Wednesday May 29, 2024 for the general elections in Johannesburg, South Africa. South Africans are voting in an election seen as their country’s most important in 30 years, and one that could put them in unknown territory in the short history of their democracy, the three-decade dominance of the African National Congress party being the target of a new generation of discontent in a country of 62 million people — half of whom are estimated to be living in poverty. (AP Photo/Jerome Delay)
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — South Africa’s election has decided little, other than the African National Congress that liberated the country from apartheid in 1994 has lost its 30-year majority.
It remained the biggest party, though. With no one holding a majority, South Africa’s party leaders are embarking on coalition talks to form a government. South Africa has never had to do this due to the ANC’s long dominance.
There are four major political parties and at least eight with significant shares of the vote after last week’s election. It’ll be complicated.
Here’s a guide to some of the key figures and what might be coming next as South Africa enters uncharted territory.
PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA
Once a protege of Nelson Mandela, Ramaphosa, 71, has now overseen the worst election result in the ANC’s history. He is under pressure within his own party as well as with voters, but he managed to laugh when an official made a slip Sunday and referred to him as the “extinguished” president rather than distinguished. “I’m not yet extinguished,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa’s challenge is to guide his party to a coalition he sees as best amid different factions within the ANC. The obvious choice is the main opposition Democratic Alliance. Between them, they would have enough seats in Parliament to govern. But the DA has been fiercely critical of the ANC’s policies for years and the marriage wouldn’t be an easy one, even if both have said they are open to discussions.
Another option for the ANC is to join with one or both of the two other main opposition parties, the uMkhonto weSizwe party, or MK party, and the Economic Freedom Fighters. That could be damaging for South Africa’s image with foreign investors given MK and the EFF have both pledged to nationalize South Africa’s important gold and platinum mines and the central bank.
Ramaphosa’s presidency is in the balance given a coalition agreement also has to translate into reelecting him for a second term. South Africans vote for parties in elections to decide how many seats they get in Parliament. Lawmakers then elect the president and the ANC now doesn’t have enough lawmakers on its own to reelect Ramaphosa.
JOHN STEENHUISEN
Steenhuisen, 48, is the main opposition leader as head of the centrist DA and the only white leader among the four main parties. He said his party was also initiating talks with various parties, except MK and the EFF. The DA has drawn a line there and said it will never work with those two over ideological differences.
Getting Steenhuisen’s DA and Ramaphosa’s ANC together is widely viewed as the most stable coalition option by analysts. Some have suggested that other smaller parties could be brought in to create a wider coalition and dilute the ANC-DA mix.
FORMER PRESIDENT JACOB ZUMA
Zuma was the leader of the ANC and president of South Africa until he was replaced by Ramaphosa in both positions. They’ve become fierce rivals. Zuma, who is 82, was the wildcard of this election after only announcing his political comeback in December. His newly formed MK Party had a huge impact by winning 14% of the vote and taking some of the ANC’s support to become the third biggest party in its first election.
Zuma’s party has demanded Ramaphosa step down as a condition for a coalition, a mark of the personal animosity. The ANC rejected the condition. While it would seem there’s little for them to work with to come together, MK does now have a significant vote share and seats in Parliament.
Zuma, who has served a prison sentence for contempt of court, is due to go on trial next year on charges of corruption. He was barred from running for a seat in Parliament in this election because of his criminal record.
JULIUS MALEMA
Malema’s EFF party lost support in the election to drop to the fourth biggest party behind MK. Malema is the youngest of the major leaders at age 43 and also has old ties to the ANC as its former youth leader before he was expelled for misconduct.
Renowned as a firebrand, his party follows a Marxist ideology but there’s some common ground between it and the ANC and the EFF was raised as a logical coalition partner for the ANC before MK overtook it and reduced its significance. Because of their differences, the inclusion of the EFF and MK in any coalition may result in the DA pulling out.
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