South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) leader Jacob Zuma registered a sweeping victory in the April 22 ballot and is all set to be elected President by the new Parliament
The ANC has won 264 of the 400-seat Parliament and garnered 65.9 per cent of popular vote. According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the Democratic Alliance (DA), led by white South African Helen Zille has retained its status as the country’s official opposition, garnering 67 seats with 16.66 percent of the total vote.
The Congress of the People (COPE) formed by ANC dissidents late last year finished third with 7.42 percent of the vote and 30 seats. Amongst others, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), led by aging Zulu chief Mangosuthu Buthelezi gets 18 seats.
A charismatic leader and savvy campaigner, Zuma endeared himself to minority groups like the Indian and Muslim communities, as well as to business leaders. He also courted the Afrikaner voters.
Political analyst Justice Malala attributes the ANC’s strong showing to what he calls the ANC’s willingness to acknowledge its failures, while promising to do better in the future. Its manifesto was just what the people identified with. The emergence of COPE served as a ‘wake-up’ call to the ANC which galvanized its traditional vote base besides the minorities.
In his victory speech in Johannesburg, Zuma promised to maintain continuity saying, ‘There will be no surprises in the next administration’s program of action’. As President, he pledged ‘to work with all stakeholders, especially business and labor, to find ways to prevent and cushion our people against job losses and other difficulties that may arise’.
