Page 10 - The Indian EYE 071924

OPINION JULY 19, 2024 | The Indian Eye 10

Ramaphosa 2.0:

The Coalition Government and

Future Implications

On the issue of Russia- Ukraine Conflict, there are ideological divergences that exists between ANC

and DA. While ANC remains neutral over the Russia Ukraine crisis, the DA, on the other hand. has
condemned Russia and has claimed that it is in South Africa’s interests to stand with the free world

DR. GAURI NARAIN MATHUR

n June 21, 2024, Cyril Rama-
phosa was sworn in for a sec-
Oond term as the President of
the first ever coalition government of
South Africa. South Africa which con-
ducted its seventh general elections in
May 2024, witnessed a momentous ver-
dict, given that the ruling African Na-
tional Congress lost its majority for the
first time since it came to power in 1994.
According to the Electoral Com-
mission of South Africa, the African
National Congress received 40.18%
of votes, which is well short of major-
ity. ANC called for the formation of
a National Unity Government and
was compelled to share power with
one of the key opposition party the
Democratic Alliance, (DA) which
had secured 21.81% of votes. The left
leaning Economic Freedom Fighters
and Mkhunto weSizwe (MK) led by
former South African President Ja-
cob Zuma, received 9.52% votes and This is for the first time that there is a Coalition Government in South Africa. The inclusive model of the National Unity Government comes
14.8% votes respectively. Both the
parties refused to join the government with its own set of challenges (File photo)
while DA would be a part of it. The
MK even demanded for Ramaphosa’s one by PAC. The formation of a coa- in South Africa, which has won five Besides, what cannot be ignored is
removal from presidency, which the lition government is unprecedented in successive elections. It has even con- that, South Africa has seen a change in
ANC did not approve of. South African politics. In this context, trolled the regional and local politics its political culture with the rising num-
ANC then opened negotiations this paper examines that what has led of South Africa. ber of political parties in South Africa.
with the smaller parties and the right to fractured mandate in South Africa, African National Congress’s elec- More than 70 political parties contest-
leaning Inthekha Right Wing party and what are the future implications toral domination reached its peak in ed the 2024 general elections. There
(IFP) with 3.85% of votes, was first to of the coalition government. the 2004 national elections wherein its was also a greater voter abstention in
join the National Unity Government total voting share was about 69.7%. the 2024 elections as around 41.6%
followed by Patriotic Alliance (PA) and A Fractured Mandate However, since 2014 the party wit- of the registered voters did not vote
Pan Africanist Congress (PAC). Thus, nessed a decline in its voter base at as compared to 34% voters who did
the Government of National Unity n the 2024 general elections, South the national and provincial elections, not participate in the 2019 elections.
now comprises 10 political parties. Africa received a fractured man- reaching an all-time low to 40.9%. in ANC lost crucial votee in its
On 1st July 2024, the South Af- Idate when the ruling African Na- the 2024 elections. In the last general strongholds such as the Kwa Zulu
rican President Cyril Ramaphosa tional Congress lost its majority and elections held in 2019, ANC received Natal and the Guateng province.
formed a new cabinet, and ANC, no opposition party was able to prove a voting share of 57%. According to Gauteng is the financial hub of South
has retained the largest share of cab- its majority. However, despite ANC’s experts, ANC witnessed a decline in Africa and is home to Johannesburg
inet portfolios (20 out of 32 Cabinet declining support base, it emerged as its support base due to rising unem- Stock Exchange and other MNC’s. In
Positions) with itself while six cabi- largest party in the 2024 elections. The ployment, poverty, misgovernance, the Kwazulu Natal province, MK led
net positions are held by Democratic African National Congress since 1994 rising violent crimes, corruption, pow- by Jacob Zuma won by 44% of votes
Alliance, two by IFP, one by PA and has been the dominant political party er cuts and water crises. Continued on next page... >>

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