President Cyril Ramaphosa urged South Africa’s political parties to find common ground and form the country’s first national coalition government.
His appeal came on Sunday after election results confirmed that no party secured a majority
With the final results, Ramaphosa’s African National Congress (ANC) received 40% of the vote, falling short of the majority it has held since the end of apartheid in 1994. The ANC must now negotiate with other parties to form a coalition government.
“Our people have spoken,” Ramaphosa said. “We have heard the voices of our people, and we must respect their choices and wishes.
“The people of South Africa expect their leaders to work together to meet their needs. This is a time for all of us to put South Africa first.”
The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), secured 21.8% of the vote.
Furthermore, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula stated that the ANC is open to negotiations, even with the DA.
DA leader John Steenhuisen confirmed that his party is also starting talks with other parties. An ANC-DA coalition would hold a majority in the 400-seat Parliament, which must convene and elect a president within 14 days of the election results being declared.
Ramaphosa is seeking a second term as the President, and Mbalula affirmed his position as ANC leader is secure despite the election outcome. However, the ANC rejected demands from the MK Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, that Ramaphosa step down.
“No political party will dictate terms to us,” Mbalula said. “You come to us with that demand; forget (it).”
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