In South Africa, the ruling African National Congress is facing its toughest election this month after 30 years of dominating the country’s politics since 1994. Voters will elect a new National Assembly as well as the provincial legislatures. The President is elected by members of the National Assembly.
President Cyril Ramaphosa hopes the May 29 ballot will lead to his reelection. The ANC is expected to win the largest share of votes, but if it receives less than 50 per cent, it will need the help of coalition partners to reelect the 71-year-old Ramaphosa.
John Steenhuisen is the leader of the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance. The Alliance won 22 per cent in the last general election in 2019 to the ANC’s 62 per cent.
The Economic Freedom Fighters is the third biggest party in Parliament since it was formed in 2013 by Julius Malema.
Former President Jacob Zuma formed the uMkhonto weSizwe party, known as the MK Party in December last year, has emerged as a significant player in upcoming elections. The 81-year-old leader yesterday lamented the high levels of poverty among black South Africans and promised to create jobs and tackle crime as he launched his new political party’s manifesto ahead of the country’s much-anticipated elections.
Disclaimer: This press release is sourced from News On AIR, Prasar Bharti and Press Information Bureau India (PIB).
