South African Parliament to Convene Friday Despite Lack of Government Formation

South Africa’s newly elected parliament will meet on Friday, according to the office of the chief justice. This meeting comes amid urgent negotiations to form a governing alliance after no party won a majority in the recent elections.

The African National Congress (ANC), which has been in power since apartheid ended 30 years ago, lost its majority in the May 29 election. It is now discussing partnerships with various parties.

The ANC has proposed a broad-based government of national unity, but smaller parties have not agreed on a coalition yet.

Despite losing its majority, the ANC remains the largest party, with 159 out of 400 seats. The Democratic Alliance (DA) holds 87 seats, the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), led by former President Jacob Zuma, has 58, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) holds 39.

According to the constitution, parliament must convene within two weeks of the election results.

At the first sitting in Cape Town, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo will oversee the swearing-in of members, the election of the speaker and deputy speaker, and the election of the president.

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