JOHANNESBURG, June 2 – The African National Congress (ANC) secured 159 out of 400 seats in South Africa’s National Assembly following last week’s general election, the electoral commission reported on Sunday. This marks the first time the ANC has lost its outright majority since it assumed power at the end of apartheid 30 years ago. In the 2019 election, the party held 230 seats.
The Democratic Alliance (DA), a pro-business, white-led party, emerged as the main opposition with 87 seats. A new entrant, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), supported by former president Jacob Zuma, claimed 58 seats. The radical left-wing Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) took fourth place with 39 seats.
In response to the results, the ANC indicated its willingness to engage with all political parties to form a coalition government.