South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is poised for re-election after the Democratic Alliance (DA), the country’s second-largest party, agreed to support him through a coalition deal with the African National Congress (ANC).
The ANC, which has governed since the end of apartheid in 1994, lost its parliamentary majority in last month’s election. Intensive negotiations with other parties followed, leading to a pivotal coalition agreement.
On Friday, as the newly elected parliament convened, DA leader John Steenhuisen confirmed the coalition, announcing, “We will be supporting President Cyril Ramaphosa in his election for the president of the republic of South Africa.” The ANC and DA coalition, along with support from the Inkatha Freedom Party and the Patriotic Alliance, ensures a majority in parliament for Ramaphosa’s re-election.
Lawmakers are expected to elect the president later today. If Ramaphosa is the sole nominee, he will be re-elected automatically. However, if other candidates are nominated, a vote will follow.
This coalition marks a significant shift in South African politics, historically dominated by the ANC. “Today marks the beginning of a new era where we put our differences aside and unite for the betterment of all South Africans,” said Sihle Zikalala, a member of the ANC’s governing body.
The ANC faced a deadline to form a coalition and have parliament vote for the president within 14 days of the election results. Friday’s parliamentary session will also elect a speaker and deputy speaker before proceeding to the presidential vote.
The MK Party, associated with former President Jacob Zuma, has stated its 58 lawmakers will boycott the session, but this is not expected to impact the voting, as a quorum requires only one-third of the 400 lawmakers. The ANC alone meets this requirement.
This political development comes amid an unusual setting due to a 2022 fire that damaged the National Assembly building in Cape Town, prompting lawmakers to meet at a nearby conference center.
