CAPETOWN, South Africa– South Africa’s African National Congress (ANC) has proposed the formation of a government of national unity after losing its parliamentary majority in last week’s elections. This move comes as the party attempts to navigate the complex political landscape created by the election results.
The ANC, which secured approximately 40% of the vote, has reached out to various political parties to negotiate potential alliances. “The results indicate that the South Africans want all parties to work together,” ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri told journalists. The center-right Democratic Alliance (DA) garnered 22% of the vote, the MK party of former President Jacob Zuma achieved 15%, and the radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) secured 9%.
Under South Africa’s proportional representation system, any governing coalition must collectively surpass the 50% threshold. Ms. Bhengu-Motsiri confirmed that the ANC has initiated discussions with the DA, the EFF, and other smaller parties. However, she noted that efforts to engage with the MK party have yet to yield a positive response.
The suggestion of a government of national unity offers the ANC a strategic way to avoid the contentious decision of choosing coalition partners. Aligning with the DA could alienate many ANC supporters who perceive the DA as representing the white minority’s interests—a claim the DA denies. Conversely, forming alliances with the MK or the EFF could unsettle the business community, given these parties’ advocacy for radical policies like land expropriation without compensation and the nationalization of the mining sector.
Despite the challenges of uniting ideologically diverse parties, Ms. Bhengu-Motsiri expressed optimism. “We believe that despite any differences we may have, working together as South Africans, we can seize this moment to usher our country into a new era of hope,” she said.
As negotiations continue, the outcome will be crucial in determining South Africa’s political direction and stability in the coming years.
https://www.africanexponent.com/anc-progresses-on-formulation-of-a-government-of-national-unity/
