South Africa's ANC Suffers Setback in Local Elections
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's party, the African National Congress (ANC), has experienced a setback in the country's local elections, according to initial results with 99% of votes counted.
The ANC has secured 31% of the national vote, marking a decline from previous victories. This setback comes as a blow to the party, which has historically dominated South African politics since the end of apartheid in 1994.
Speaking on the party's performance, ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule acknowledged the setback, stating, "We have not achieved the targets we set for ourselves, but we are not dismayed. We will learn from this and come back stronger."
Local Elections Results: ANC Struggles
- ANC wins 31% of the national vote
- ANC's previous best performance was in 2016, when it secured 54% of the vote
- ANC's decline in support comes amidst ongoing economic challenges and social unrest in the country
The results have raised concerns about the party's future prospects in the upcoming national elections in 2024.
South African Politics: ANC's Long History
Since the end of apartheid, the ANC has been the dominant political force in South Africa, playing a pivotal role in the country's transition to democracy. However, the party has faced challenges in recent years, including economic hardships and social unrest.
ANC's setback in the local elections adds to the ongoing concerns about the party's future prospects in the nation.
The results of the local elections will likely have a significant impact on the political landscape in South Africa, as the ANC's performance may affect voter confidence and influence the outcome of upcoming national elections in 2024.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>
