South Africa heads to the polls on May 29. The expected final outcome will mark a new dawn for the country's estimated population of 62 million. Since gaining political independence, the country has overcome various difficulties and challenges at different stages of its democratic development.
The African National Congress (ANC) is South Africa's ruling party and has been in power since the end of apartheid. The party played a key role in the liberation struggle and is considered a people's party. Under the leadership of Nelson Mandela, the ANC led the country's transition to democracy and has dominated the political stage ever since.
However, in recent years, the ANC has come under fire for corruption, mismanagement and failure to make promises, leading to a decline in its popularity. It faces criticism from the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), the United Democratic Movement (UDM), and the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP).
As South Africa continues to grapple with challenges related to corruption, unemployment, poverty and inequality, the role of these parties will be crucial in shaping the country's future. The upcoming general election will be a key test of their influence and ability to address the pressing issues facing the nation.
In the latest elections held on May 8, 2019, the ANC won 58% of the vote and 230 seats, while the main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, won 21% of the vote and 84 seats. The Economic Freedom Fighters, founded by Julius Malema, a former ANC Youth League president who was later expelled from the ANC, won 11% of the vote and 44 seats.
The elections scheduled for May 29th represent the lofty principles of democracy, equality and a better life for all South Africans. President Cyril Ramaphosa was last elected on a party ticket and is one of the presidential candidates this time.
1) How is South Africa preparing for the May 29 elections?
• South Africa’s political situation is stable. The country has a multi-party political system that remains vibrant and strengthens a mature democracy.
• The government and the opposition are working closely together to address socio-economic challenges affecting the people.
• The Bill of Rights reaffirms that people have the right to form political parties and participate in their activities. Parliament amended the Electoral Act 73 of 1998 to allow independent candidates to stand in national and state elections.
2) About participating political parties and voters
• The strength of South Africa's multiparty political system was demonstrated by the successful holding of the 2021 local elections, the results of which were widely accepted as free and fair.
• President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa has formally declared the 7th NPE to be held on 29 May 2024.
• In response to this declaration, the IEC published an election schedule outlining various activities to be completed by election day. The IEC confirmed that 27.7 million people registered to vote in 2024, compared to 25.3 million and 26.7 million registered voters in the 2014 and 2019 elections, respectively. Of these, 58,802 South Africans will vote at diplomatic missions around the world.
3) How competitive will South Africa's upcoming elections be?
• It is noteworthy that more than 300 political parties announced their intention to contest the election before and after the declaration on election day. There were also more than 500 independent candidates who wanted to join the 2024 NPE. However, after a verification and challenge process, only 70 political parties and 11 independent candidates were announced as final candidates for the 2024 NPE. Subsequently, the IEC issued certificates to 14,889 candidates contesting for 887 seats in the 2024 NPE.
• Registered voters who are unable to vote at their polling place on Election Day due to pregnancy, infirmity, disability or work reasons will have a special vote on 27-28 May 2024. However, these individuals will not be able to vote in local elections. They had to apply for a special vote by 3 May 2024.
4) Who monitors the electoral process in the country?
• The 2024 NPE will include election observer missions from the African Union for Economic and Social Affairs (AUEOM) and the Southern African Development Community Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), which will ensure that South Africa adheres to democratic standards, promote transparency and contribute to the overall success of the electoral process.
• Political parties and independent candidates have demonstrated political maturity in their election campaigns so far. Preparations for the 2024 NPE are proceeding smoothly despite ongoing court challenges involving the IEC and some political parties.
The name “South Africa” comes from the country's geographical location at the southern tip of Africa. After its formation, the country was named in English as the “Union of South Africa.” African unity It is a Dutch word that reflects its origins in the unification of the four British colonies. The long official name in English has been the Republic of South Africa since 1961.
South Africa is a multi-ethnic society encompassing a wide variety of cultures, languages and religions. Its economy is complex, the most industrialized and technologically advanced in Africa. It is the second largest economy in Africa after Nigeria.
South Africa is a member of international organisations such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and BRICS. It is located at the southernmost tip of Africa with neighbouring countries Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, and Mozambique and Eswatini to the east and northeast.