South Africans vote in most competitive election since apartheid

South Africans began voting Wednesday, May 29, in the most competitive election since the end of apartheid. Opinion polls suggest the African National Congress (ANC) may lose its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years.

South Africa faces systemic issues, including a weak power grid causing hundreds of hours of blackouts that hinder development and manufacturing. The country also battles nearly 33% unemployment, one of the world’s highest, with economic growth expected to be less than 1% this year.

Corruption scandals highlight governance weaknesses within the ANC. Additionally, South Africa has one of the highest violent crime rates globally, with 45 murders per 100,000 people.

Lines formed early at various polling stations, including a primary school in Soweto, where South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to vote.

More than 27 million South Africans are registered to vote at more than 23,000 polling stations.

The ANC, which has dominated elections since 1994 when Nelson Mandela was elected president, might now fall short of a majority, potentially requiring a coalition with smaller parties to govern.

Despite these challenges, the ANC is still expected to win the largest share of the vote, likely ensuring a new term for President Ramaphosa.