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.
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.
Two critical after incident on Auckland street
Israeli military says troops captured hundreds of fighters in Gaza hospital
Flood, weather warnings as storm hits Australia
Israeli siblings Ron and Leah Polonsky chase Olympics from Bay Area rivals Stanford and Cal
Hong Kong's Messi mess: A distraction from more important things
Governor, Congress members to meet over support for rebuilding bridge
Biden hosts Kishida in official visit as US, Japan bolster defense ties
Mayhem inside and outside Wembley mars Real Madrid's 2
More productive land being used for urban development, study finds