South Africans are preparing to vote Wednesday in critical local elections
South Africans are preparing to vote in local elections that will determine control of major cities and test support for the African National Congress (ANC). Reuters described a fragmented, multiparty contest, with the ANC losing support amid voter demands for change and jobs. Johannesburg, home to nearly 5 million people, is a major prize.
More context
South Africans are preparing to vote Wednesday in local elections that will determine control of the country’s largest cities and test whether the African National Congress (ANC) can halt its electoral decline. Voters will elect councilors, who will choose mayors responsible for municipal services such as water, sanitation and rubbish collection. Reuters described a splintering vote and a multi-party battle for cities, saying the ANC was losing support as voters demanded change and jobs; fragmented support could make an outright victory harder. The ANC lost its parliamentary majority in 2024 and formed a unity government with the Democratic Alliance, the second-largest party, and smaller parties. In the 2021 municipal elections, it lost control of several major cities and governs others through coalitions. Johannesburg, home to nearly 5 million people and most of South Africa’s corporate headquarters, is a major prize.
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Reporting
- Reuters — South Africa's splintering vote sets up multi-party battle for ...
- goskagit.com (with Associated Press) — South Africans to vote in key local elections seen as a tough test for ruling ANC | News | goskagit.com
Verifier’s note
The Associated Press report carried by goskagit.com says the local elections will determine control of major cities, while Reuters reports a multi-party battle for cities amid a splintering vote. Both directly cover the proposed event.