Following the historic 2024 National and Provincial Elections, which saw the ANC lose its national majority for the first time since the dawn of democracy, coalition talks have started in earnest, to map the way forward for South Africa.
The ANC managed to scrape together just 40% of the national vote, losing a whopping 71 seats in the National Assembly in the end.
Both the ANC and the DA have indicated that any coalition talks must be done with the best interest of South Africa at heart, and guided by the Constitution at all times.
President Cyril Ramaphosa struck a conciliatory tone during his address at the IEC National Results Operation Centre on Sunday evening, stressing that parties will now need to find ”common ground” and put South Africa first.
#ElectionsResults | This is the time for all of us to put South Africa first. The people of this country expect and deserve no less. God Bless South Africa and protect her people. #SAElections24 pic.twitter.com/LSbQoWbc5a
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) June 2, 2024
ALSO READ: President Ramaphosa: The people have spoken
Earlier in the day, DA Leader John Steenhuisen also emphasised that the interest of citizens must be placed first. This as the DA appointed a top team, which include former leaders, to take negotiations with the ANC forward.
He says the DA will do whatever it can to prevent an ANC-EFF-MK ”doomsday” coalition.
This means working with the ANC, to prevent the other two parties from getting into power, becomes one of the few viable options.
I want to assure the people of South Africa that the DA will always act in the interests of the people throughout this unprecedented moment in our country’s history.
The DA is here for you, and we take the future of you and your family seriously. pic.twitter.com/vPur59foXZ
— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) June 3, 2024
It was Jacob Zuma’s MK Party that came in like a proverbial wrecking ball, eating away ANC support to become the third biggest party in the country.
In Zuma’s traditional stronghold – Kwazulu-Natal – the MK Party got the most votes, although just short of a majority.
Here too, a coalition government will have to be formed. The DA has already indicated it aims to prevent an MK Party government, by going into coalition with other parties.
The ANC has said while they are open to coalition talks, discussions about removing Cyril Ramaphosa as President of the ANC are a “no-go area”.
At the same time, the Electoral Commission declared the 2024 National and Provincial Election free and fair.
While no mention was made of the numerous objections brought by the likes of the MK Party, the PA and other smaller parties, IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya said these elections were the most difficult and most highly contested since 1994.
Moepya says despite many challenges, and attacks on the commission, they never sought to waiver in their commitment to voters. Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said the choice of voters must be respected.
[Watch live] IEC announces the 2024 National and Provincial Elections Results #ElectionsResults #SAElections24 https://t.co/7wxzqwge9J
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) June 2, 2024
Meanwhile, by law, the first sitting of Parliament needs to be held within 14 days of the announcement of the results.
The Chief Justice has already gazetted the rules for the first sitting of the National Assembly, the National Council of Provinces and Provincial Legislatures.
When the first sitting of Parliament takes place, the Chief Justice first presides over the process of electing the Office Bearers of Parliament, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces.
In the Western Cape, the DA will run the Province outright after establishing a majority.
