South Africans vote in municipal elections threatening further ANC losses
South Africans are voting in municipal elections that could further weaken the African National Congress (ANC) amid anger over corruption, crime, unemployment and failing public services. The ANC fell below 50% support in 2021, and polls suggest it could lose more ground. Reuters said results are expected Sunday, with fragmented voting potentially leaving cities with coalition governments.
More context
Wednesday’s municipal vote put the governing African National Congress (ANC) at risk of further losses, with voters frustrated by corruption, crime, unemployment and breakdowns in public services. Power cuts, unreliable water supplies, poor roads and crumbling infrastructure have fueled frustration, including in Johannesburg. The ANC, which has dominated South African politics since 1994, fell below 50% support in the 2021 municipal elections; polls indicate it may lose further ground this time. Reuters reported that no single party is large enough to take its place, leaving many cities likely to rely on unstable coalition governments. Such coalitions have been partly blamed for poor service delivery. South Africa’s 257 municipalities oversee services including water, electricity, sanitation and refuse collection. Results were expected Sunday.
Was this story useful?
What was the main problem? (optional)
Reporting
- The Guardian — ANC faces anger over poor services as South Africans vote in local elections
- WSAU News/Talk Radio (with Reuters) — South Africa votes in local polls expected to further weaken ANC grip
- Saudi Gazette — ANC under pressure as South Africans vote in local elections - Latest News from Saudi Arabia and the World
- thestar.com.my (with Reuters) — South Africa votes in local polls expected to further weaken ANC grip | The Star
- businessday.ng — South Africa votes as ANC decline puts major cities up for grabs - Businessday NG
Verifier’s note
The Guardian, The Star, WSAU, Saudi Gazette, and Businessday NG report South Africans voting in local elections amid anger over failing public services. AllAfrica describes the concerns ahead of the elections but does not report that voting took place.