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ANC faces bruising defeat in South African local elections with 80% of ballots counted
With more than 80% of ballots counted, the African National Congress (ANC) was on course for a sharp defeat in South Africa’s local elections, receiving less than a third of the national vote. The result would deepen the decline of the party that has governed since apartheid ended in 1994, amid voter concerns about unemployment, crime, corruption and poor local services.
The ANC had 31.8%, almost 14 percentage points below its 2021 result; the Democratic Alliance had 24.1% and the uMkhonto weSizwe party 9.3%. Turnout was estimated at 54.5%, up from 46% five years earlier. The ANC was projected to lose its lead in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, while coalition talks were expected to shape control of major cities; final results were due on Sunday.
In short
- The ANC fell to 31.8% with more than 80% of votes counted.
- The result is nearly 14 percentage points below its 2021 share.
- Coalition negotiations will determine control of key cities.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The ANC’s falling support can be seen as voters holding a long-governing party accountable for persistent unemployment, crime, corruption and weak local services. A sharp electoral setback may create pressure for better performance and give voters a stronger voice in deciding how cities and provinces are governed.
The case against
A bruising result does not by itself show that the ANC’s record or programme has lost all public support; voters may be responding to local candidates, particular grievances or newer parties. With votes still being counted and coalition talks ahead, the outcome may also produce uncertain leadership, making it harder to sustain coherent policies and deliver services.
Africa Elections Government Politics World