The governing ANC could only muster 40% voter support in the final announcement of the 2024 national and provincial elections, confirming that coalition partners would form the central government for the first time since democracy in 1994.
The ANC leads the pack of MPs to the seventh Parliament with 159 seats, the DA at 87, the MK Party at 58, the EFF at 39, and the IFP at 17.
However, the ANC has won all provinces contested, except for KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape, Gauteng, and the Northern Cape.A total of 27,8 million people registered to vote, but only 16.2 million made it to the voting booth between Monday and Wednesday this week, a record 58.56% voter turnout.
Testament to people’s commitment
Electoral Commission (IEC) chairperson Mosotho Moepya said the elections were a testament to the resilience and commitment of the people to freedom, equality, and freedom.
Moepya said that despite challenges such as attacks on the commission’s members and key staff, disinformation campaigns, and intimidation, the commission persevered and remained focused on the challenges.
“At all material times, we understood that the sanctity of the democratic process transcends individual interests or personal grievances. We remained steadfast in our constitutional mandate, rising above distractions to ensure that the will of the people was accurately reflected in the results of these elections. In any election, the most anxious moments come with the declaration of the election results,” he said.
Results represented collective voice
He said the election results represented the collective voice of the nation. “The results are a triumph for democracy, a victory for the principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.
Moepya said the commission declared the results of the 2024 national and provincial elections free and fair, describing the moment as “a triumph for the principles of transparency, accountability, and the rule of law.”
“Let us celebrate this achievement while remaining vigilant, for the work of strengthening our democratic institutions is never truly complete. Together, we must continue to build a nation that serves as a beacon of hope, a shining example of what can be achieved when the power of the people is harnessed for the greater good.”
He concluded: “May this moment serve as a reminder of the enduring strength of our democracy, and may it inspire us to continue working towards a brighter future for all South Africans.”
