Elections Underway In South Africa Amid Grim National Mood

South Africans began voting on Wednesday in the most competitive election since the end of apartheid, with opinion polls suggesting the African National Congress (ANC) might lose its parliamentary majority after 30 years in power.

The ANC, then led by Nelson Mandela, swept to power in South Africa’s first multi-racial election in 1994 and has won a majority in national elections held every five years since. However, its share of the vote has gradually declined over the years.

In this election, voters are selecting the 400 members of the National Assembly. These MPs will then choose a president from among their ranks in the coming weeks. Additionally, candidates for South Africa’s nine provincial assemblies are also on the ballot.

Should the ANC fall short of a 50 per cent majority, it may be compelled to negotiate a coalition deal with one or more of the smaller parties to continue governing.