South Africa's ANC slumps to worst-ever election result

A historical setback for the ANC, the party which dominated South African politics for decades only gathered 30% of votes in the latest municipal elections, its worst ever performance. And while it remains the country's largest political force, the results show an erosion of popular support after years of economic mismanagement, corruption scandals and unfulfilled promises. With the ANC promising us jobs. The campaign largely centered on day-to-day issues such as widespread unemployment, rampant criminality, and frequent breakdowns in basic government services. Capitalizing on voter discontent, the Democratic Alliance Party received around a quarter of total votes, coming in ahead of the ANC in key areas such as Johannesburg and Soweto Yet no parties secured outright majorities in more than half of the country's municipalities, setting the stage for tricky coalition talks that have paralyzed local government in the past. President Cyril Ramaphosa urged elected officials to work together and not let political disagreements interfere with the delivery of essential services. Our people's interests must not be drowned by the quest for political parties or representatives to settle political scores or petty squabbles. Councils must be constituted without delay. South African parties now face a tight timetable to form coalitions, with the newly elected councils due to hold their first meetings within the next two weeks.