South Africa's ruling party loses ground in local election vote count

South Africa's ruling African National Congress party is recording reduced vote shares in early municipal election results, according to reports by Al Jazeera English, Reuters, and AllAfrica News. Al Jazeera English reported late on Thursday that with more than 60 percent of the vote counted, data from the election commission showed the African National Congress at about 32 percent of the vote. The outlet added that the Democratic Alliance held second place at 25 percent. [1][2][5]

The vote tally threatens to weaken control of key urban areas including Johannesburg for the long-dominant party, Al Jazeera English reported. Meanwhile, voter turnout reached 15.9 million South Africans, according to The Rio Times. The Rio Times also reported that the Independent Electoral Commission is managing 106 open complaints, which will prevent official results from being declared before Friday's deadline. [1][6]

The election follows a period of growing voter frustration over public services. The EastAfrican and The Guardian both reported that public anger over failing services faced the African National Congress as voters went to the polls. The EastAfrican noted that the party previously fell below 50 percent support for the first time in municipal elections in 2021. General elections were previously held in South Africa on 29 May 2024 to elect the National Assembly and provincial legislatures. [3][9][12]

Alternative political parties are gaining ground as the vote count progresses. AllAfrica News reported that opposition groups including ActionSA and the Democratic Alliance showed growth in both rural areas and cities while counting was underway. Al Jazeera English noted that former President Jacob Zuma's breakaway opposition uMkhonto weSizwe party was also competing in the race. [1][5]