South Africa is gearing up for national and provincial elections on May 29, marking a significant moment in its democratic journey.
President Cyril Ramaphosa who disclosed this on Tuesday, urged all South Africans to exercise their right to vote peacefully and lawfully.
This election could be historic, with polls indicating that Ramaphosa’s ANC party may fall below 50%, a first in the country’s three decades of democracy. If the ANC fails to secure a majority, coalition partners will be needed to form a government.
Issues like rising crime rates, economic challenges, power cuts, and unemployment have fueled discontent, presenting challenges for Ramaphosa from both the right and left. However, the ANC remains a powerful force, drawing on its legacy from the anti-apartheid struggle.
Ramaphosa is set to launch his party’s manifesto in Durban, a key battleground, emphasizing the importance of these elections in shaping the nation’s future.
Rival parties have already seized the moment, launching their own manifestos for change, sensing an opportunity to challenge the ANC’s dominance.