South Africa is gearing up for a significant election on Wednesday, May 29, which might bring an end to the African National Congress (ANC)'s 30-year reign. The ANC is famously associated with Nelson Mandela, the nation's iconic leader.

Election Day Details

Voting began at 7 am and will continue until 9 pm local time across 23,292 polling stations. Nearly 28 million registered voters are expected to participate in electing a new parliament, which will subsequently choose the president.

Political Landscape
A total of 70 political parties and 11 independent candidates are vying for seats in both the national parliament and the nine provincial legislatures. The new president will be elected by the National Assembly within 14 days after the election results are declared.

Voter Sentiments

Over one-third of surveyed voters (2,545 respondents) feel that no party aligns with their views, reflecting a broader trend of voter indecision and potential abstention.

Crucial Election Insights

Threat to ANC's Majority: For the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994, the ANC may lose its majority, possibly necessitating a coalition government. Analyst Aleix Montana described this election as a "watershed moment" for South African politics. Under Mandela, the ANC dismantled apartheid, fostered democracy to a great extent.

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