More than 16 million cast their ballot in 2024NPE; ANC forced to govern under coalition

The Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has declared the 2024 National & Provincial elections as ‘’free and fair’’. The commission formally announced the results at the National results operations centre, on Sunday evening.

Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, says just over 16 million cast their votes and these include voters abroad. The voter turnout was at 58.61%

“This moment is a triumph for our democracy, a victory for the principles of transparency, a measure that we can reflect on even as we take stock of accountability and the rule of law in our land. Let us celebrate this achievement while remaining vigilant, for the work of strengthening democracy is one that truly never ends. Together, we must continue to build a nation that serves as a beacon of hope.”

SCREENSHOT: 2024 NPE results

The number of political parties representatives in Parliament has increased from 14 to 18

2024 National and Provincial Elections Results Announcement https://t.co/K4Ty3vJWQP

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) June 2, 2024

At the same time, the African National Congress (ANC) has accepted the election results, following a massive drop in votes. The party received 40.2% of votes, and for the first time since 1994, the ANC will form a coalition to govern the country.

It only won 159 seats in the 400-seat parliament. No single party won a majority in the National Assembly. The Democratic Alliance(DA) has 87 seats (22%) and in third place was the newly-formed uMkonto weSizwe (MK), which grabbed 14.59% of the vote and 58 seats

"The ANC is committed to the formation of a government that reflects the will of the people, that is stable and that is able to govern effectively," said Fikile Mbalula, ANC secretary-general.

Mbalula said the ANC would hold discussions internally and with other groups "over the next few days".

"The results send a clear message to the ANC. We wish to assure the people of South Africa that we have heard them. We have heard their concerns, their frustrations and their dissatisfaction,’’ he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George