South Africa election

Partial results: ANC loses absolute majority

In the parliamentary elections in South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC), which has been in power since the end of apartheid 30 years ago, lost its absolute majority for the first time.(Bild: APA/AFP/GIANLUIGI GUERCIA)

In the parliamentary elections in South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC), which has been in power since the end of apartheid 30 years ago, has lost its absolute majority for the first time. This is according to partial results published by the electoral commission on Thursday morning. 

According to the results, the ANC received 42.3 percent of the votes after ten percent of the polling stations had been counted. 

EFF as kingmaker?
The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) received 26.3 percent of the vote. The radical left-wing party EFF (Economic Freedom Fighters) of former ANC functionary Julius Malema came third with 8.1 percent of the vote. It could play the role of kingmaker.

27.6 million citizens in South Africa were able to vote on Wednesday on the composition of the 400-seat parliament, which will determine the new president in June.

Higher voter turnout
The electoral commission said it expected significantly more people to vote than in the 2019 election. Back then, 66% of registered voters cast their ballots.