Southern Africa elections brought big changes in 2024
2 weeks, 3 days ago

Southern Africa elections brought big changes in 2024

Associated Press  

HARARE, Zimbabwe — In Southern Africa, where democracy remains relatively stable, elections held in 2024 saw long-governing liberation parties struggling to survive. For many young voters, performance of the government matters more than historic liberation struggle era credentials that these parties have relied on to stay in power for decades, resulting in “the shifting political tectonic plates we are seeing,” said Nic Cheeseman, a political scientist and professor at the University of Birmingham in England. In Namibia, the candidate of the long-governing South West Africa People’s Organization, or SWAPO — 72-year-old Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — made history by becoming the country’s first female president. This marked SWAPO’s worst parliamentary result since Namibia gained independence from South Africa’s apartheid government in 1990, signaling a potential shift in the country’s political landscape.

Africa Political South Africa Parties Power South Southern Southern Africa Cheeseman Swapo Brought Big  changes  southern  parties  protests  africa  south  2024  liberation  brought  big  power  democratic  political  elections  voters

History of this topic

Southern Africa’s liberation movements have lost their political mojo
3 weeks ago

Southern Africa’s liberation movements have lost their political mojo

Al Jazeera  

Electoral support for former freedom fighters is dwindling across the region due to their inability to deliver ethical and effective governance after decades in power. On December 3, the Electoral Commission of Namibia announced that Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of the ruling South West Africa People’s Organisation party, has emerged victorious in the disputed presidential election conducted from November 27 to 30. …

How 2024 has been for democracy in Africa
4 weeks ago

How 2024 has been for democracy in Africa

Firstpost  

The 2024 elections in Africa underscored political diversity and dynamism. From the historic defeat of Botswana’s ruling party to Namibia’s groundbreaking election of a female president and Ghana’s reaffirmation of democratic principles, these events reflect both progress and ongoing struggles In 2024, 22 elections were held in African countries, spanning presidential, legislative, and local levels. Namibia: A New Leader Amid …

Namibia elections 2024: Who’s in the running and what’s at stake?
Trending News
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Namibia elections 2024: Who’s in the running and what’s at stake?

Al Jazeera  

The Southern African country could be the next to face turmoil as a wave of election upsets hit the region. Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah : She is the governing SWAPO Party’s first female presidential candidate and the favourite to win the election, although analysts say she faces strong competition. If young people turn out at the polls, Itula could threaten …

2024 is the year of elections : Consider This from NPR : NPR
6 months, 1 week ago

2024 is the year of elections : Consider This from NPR : NPR

NPR  

It's the biggest election year in modern history. Enlarge this image toggle caption Aurelien Morissard/ Pool via AP; Rajesh Jantilal/AFP via Getty Images; Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Aurelien Morissard/ Pool via AP; Rajesh Jantilal/AFP via Getty Images; Dan Kitwood/Getty Images More than 60 countries around the world are holding national elections. "By and large, people are unhappy with their governments, much …

South Africa’s new government brings Black and white together. It’s also reviving racial tensions
6 months, 2 weeks ago

South Africa’s new government brings Black and white together. It’s also reviving racial tensions

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — In a country where racial segregation was once brutally enforced, South Africa’s new coalition government has brought a Black president and a white opposition leader together in an image of unity. Yet the power-sharing agreement sealed a week ago between President Cyril Ramaphosa’s African National Congress party and the Democratic Alliance, one of South Africa’s …

How South Africa’s rival parties ‘found each other’ in a last-ditch deal that saved a president
6 months, 3 weeks ago

How South Africa’s rival parties ‘found each other’ in a last-ditch deal that saved a president

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa’s main political rivals are now partners in government after they came together in a last-minute coalition deal that ensured President Cyril Ramaphosa was dramatically reelected with cross-party support, and a struggling country was given a boost. The coalition between Ramaphosa’s African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance — South Africa’s only major party …

South Africa questions its very being. Yet a difficult change has reinforced its young democracy
7 months ago

South Africa questions its very being. Yet a difficult change has reinforced its young democracy

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa is in a moment of deep soul-searching after an election that brought a jarring split from the African National Congress, the very party that gave it freedom and democracy 30 years ago. “What must we do with this South Africa of ours?” asked Thabo Mbeki, the former South African president who had the …

South Africa ruling party loses majority
7 months, 1 week ago

South Africa ruling party loses majority

China Daily  

African National Congress' deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane talks with daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, in Johannesburg on Saturday. THEMBA HADEBE/ASSOCIATED PRESS South Africa's governing party African National Congress has for the first time in 30 years lost its political dominance in the country's elections. The final result is expected to be announced on Sunday evening by South …

A guide to what’s next for South Africa and the key figures in unprecedented coalition talks
7 months, 1 week ago

A guide to what’s next for South Africa and the key figures in unprecedented coalition talks

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa’s election has decided little, other than the African National Congress that liberated the country from apartheid in 1994 has lost its 30-year majority. With no one holding a majority, South Africa’s party leaders are embarking on coalition talks to form a government. That could be damaging for South Africa’s image with foreign investors …

South Africa’s president urges parties to find common ground in talks after election deadlock
7 months, 1 week ago

South Africa’s president urges parties to find common ground in talks after election deadlock

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — President Cyril Ramaphosa called Sunday for South Africa’s political parties to overcome their differences and find “common ground” to form the first national coalition government in its young democracy. This is a time for all of us to put South Africa first.” The ANC was the party of Nelson Mandela and freed South Africa from the apartheid system …

South Africa elections final results: What happens next?
7 months, 1 week ago

South Africa elections final results: What happens next?

Al Jazeera  

The African National Congress has lost parliamentary majority and will need coalition partners to surpass 50 percent votes and form a government. After all the ballots have been counted in South Africa, the ruling African National Congress has received only 40.18 percent votes in Wednesday’s election, well short of a majority. However, only 16.2 million votes were cast on election …

After South Africa’s historic election, what now for its global role on issues like the war in Gaza?
7 months, 1 week ago

After South Africa’s historic election, what now for its global role on issues like the war in Gaza?

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — It was a historic day for South Africa. CHALLENGING ISRAEL OVER GAZA South Africa has become the most visible critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza by accusing it of genocide in a case at the International Court of Justice, the U.N.'s top court. The case has been largely driven by the ANC, which has long …

ANC Party That Freed South Africa From Apartheid Loses 30-Year Majority In Landmark Election
7 months, 1 week ago

ANC Party That Freed South Africa From Apartheid Loses 30-Year Majority In Landmark Election

Huff Post  

Observers look on as election results are displayed at the Results Operation Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, Friday May 31, 2024. via Associated Press JOHANNESBURG — The African National Congress party lost its majority in a historic election result Saturday that puts South Africa on a new political path for the first time since the end of the apartheid …

South Africa elections live results 2024: By the numbers on day 3
7 months, 1 week ago

South Africa elections live results 2024: By the numbers on day 3

Al Jazeera  

With 99 percent of votes counted, results show the ruling ANC will lose its majority and be forced to seek coalition partners. With 99 percent of the ballots counted, the ruling African National Congress is leading with just over 40 percent share of the national vote, three days after the country voted in national elections that could throw up the …

South Africa elections: ANC, which freed country from apartheid, loses majority for first time in 30 years
7 months, 1 week ago

South Africa elections: ANC, which freed country from apartheid, loses majority for first time in 30 years

India TV News  

Johannesburg: South Africa was set to end three decades of dominance by the African National Congress in an unprecedented development, as the party that freed the country from apartheid has lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years. The dramatically weakened vote share of the ANC, well short of the majority it had held since the famed …

South Africa elections live results 2024: By the numbers on day 2
7 months, 1 week ago

South Africa elections live results 2024: By the numbers on day 2

Al Jazeera  

With more than 90 percent of votes counted, results show the ruling ANC could lose their majority and be forced to seek coalition partners. With more than 90 percent of the ballots counted, the ruling African National Congress is leading with just over 40 percent share of the national vote, two days after the country voted in national elections that …

South Africa’s election results may only be the start of a rocky political process. Here’s why
7 months, 1 week ago

South Africa’s election results may only be the start of a rocky political process. Here’s why

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — The real politicking in South Africa may start after the final results of this week’s election are announced as the country faces the possibility of no outright winner. Early results Thursday showed the ruling African National Congress at well below 50% of the national vote as counting continued, reinforcing pre-election analysis that the party that …

Partial count in South Africa election puts ruling ANC below 50% as country senses momentous change
7 months, 1 week ago

Partial count in South Africa election puts ruling ANC below 50% as country senses momentous change

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — Partial results in South Africa’s national election put the long-ruling African National Congress party at well below 50% of the vote as counting continued Thursday, and it could be on the brink of losing its majority for the first time since sweeping to power under Nelson Mandela at the end of apartheid in 1994. That would be a …

Watch: Votes counted as South Africa’s election gets underway
7 months, 1 week ago

Watch: Votes counted as South Africa’s election gets underway

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Watch as vote counting got …

South Africa senses monumental change as partial count in election puts ruling ANC below 50%
7 months, 1 week ago

South Africa senses monumental change as partial count in election puts ruling ANC below 50%

LA Times  

Voters line up to cast their ballot for general election in Alexandra, near Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday. Partial results in South Africa’s national election put the long-ruling African National Congress at below 50% of the vote as counting continued Thursday, raising the possibility that it might lose its majority for the first time since it swept to power under …

South Africa elections live results 2024: By the numbers
7 months, 1 week ago

South Africa elections live results 2024: By the numbers

Al Jazeera  

About 28 million people are registered to vote in national and provincial elections. South Africa’s ruling African National Congress is leading with more than a 40 percent share of the national vote after half of the ballots have been counted, a day after the country went to the polls for national and provincial elections that are widely predicted to test …

South Africans vote in watershed election as ANC could lose majority
7 months, 1 week ago

South Africans vote in watershed election as ANC could lose majority

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy South Africans have begun voting …

South Africa’s opposition parties make a final call for historic change the day before election
7 months, 1 week ago

South Africa’s opposition parties make a final call for historic change the day before election

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South African opposition parties made a final appeal to voters Tuesday as the country faces the possibility of a landmark change in its young democracy. Main opposition leader John Steenhuisen of the Democratic Alliance party called it “South Africa’s most consequential election in post-democratic history.” He urged people to vote the ANC out to “rescue” …

South Africa elections 2024: Key issues by the numbers
7 months, 1 week ago

South Africa elections 2024: Key issues by the numbers

Al Jazeera  

Unemployment, crime and access to electricity are some of the biggest issues on the ballot. Here are the key issues that are top of mind for the majority of voters: Jobs: One in three South Africans unemployed The country has the highest unemployment rate in the world. Among white South Africans, however, a higher percentage are more likely to have …

South Africa’s opposition parties make a final call for historic change the day before election
7 months, 1 week ago

South Africa’s opposition parties make a final call for historic change the day before election

New Indian Express  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa: South African opposition parties made a final appeal to voters Tuesday as the country faces the possibility of a landmark change in its young democracy. At the heart of Wednesday’s national election is the question of whether South Africans will deliver their biggest rejection yet of the ruling African National Congress party, which has governed since …

South Africa’s surprise election challenger is evoking the past anti-apartheid struggle
7 months, 1 week ago

South Africa’s surprise election challenger is evoking the past anti-apartheid struggle

Associated Press  

DURBAN, South Africa — The 59-year-old Dumisani Ndlovu has voted in every South Africa national election since he and the rest of the Black majority finally won the right 30 years ago. Ndlovu in this week’s election is turning his support to the man, Jacob Zuma, whose career spanned from the liberation struggle to the presidency before falling out with …

South Africa’s election could bring the biggest political shift since it became a democracy in 1994
7 months, 2 weeks ago

South Africa’s election could bring the biggest political shift since it became a democracy in 1994

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africans will vote Wednesday to decide whether their country will take its most significant political step since the moment 30 years ago when it brought down apartheid and achieved democracy. Then, Nelson Mandela led the African National Congress party to victory as Black South Africans who were the majority were allowed to vote for …

South Africa’s election might be a defining moment — with new complications. Here’s what to know
7 months, 2 weeks ago

South Africa’s election might be a defining moment — with new complications. Here’s what to know

LA Times  

Supporters of the Inkatha Freedom Party attend an election rally in Richards Bay, near Durban, South Africa, on Sunday, in anticipation of the general elections scheduled for May 29. South Africa’s election will determine how weary the country has become of the ruling African National Congress party, which has been in power since the end of the apartheid system of …

South Africa elections 2024 explained in maps and charts
7 months, 2 weeks ago

South Africa elections 2024 explained in maps and charts

Al Jazeera  

On May 29, South Africans head to the polls. It will be the country’s seventh democratic general election since apartheid ended in 1994 when Nelson Mandela was elected president with the ANC winning 62.5 percent of the 400 seats in the National Assembly. South Africa’s election management body, the IEC, cleared 14,889 candidates, including 70 political parties and 11 independents, …

South Africa’s main opposition party rallies support as it concludes election campaign
7 months, 2 weeks ago

South Africa’s main opposition party rallies support as it concludes election campaign

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s main opposition party Democratic Alliance on Sunday made its final appeal to voters to help it unseat the ruling African National Congress as it concluded its campaign ahead of elections this week. The Democratic Alliance is the biggest opposition party in South Africa and has gathered some smaller opposition parties to form a pact known as …

South Africa’s 4 big political parties begin final weekend of campaigning ahead of election
7 months, 2 weeks ago

South Africa’s 4 big political parties begin final weekend of campaigning ahead of election

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s four main political parties began the final weekend of campaigning Saturday before a possibly pivotal election that could bring the country’s most important change in three decades. As thousands of supporters in the ANC’s black, green and gold colors attended its last major rally before the election, Ramaphosa recognized some of the grievances of South Africans, …

It’s possible no party will get a majority in South Africa’s election. Here’s what that would mean
7 months, 2 weeks ago

It’s possible no party will get a majority in South Africa’s election. Here’s what that would mean

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — The focus for South Africa’s national election next week is on the fate of the African National Congress party and whether it is going to lose its parliamentary majority for the first time, as many expect. Several polls put the ANC’s support below 50% ahead of Wednesday’s vote, raising the prospect that it might not …

As South Africa election nears, one candidate ditches political parties to go it alone
7 months, 2 weeks ago

As South Africa election nears, one candidate ditches political parties to go it alone

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — An outspoken former activist and member of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress will be among at least 10 independent candidates seeking to become lawmakers for the first time in the country’s history. South Africa is allowing independent candidates to take part for the first time in the country’s national elections next week, following a landmark ruling delivered …

South Africa elections 2024: Ten key people who could shape it
7 months, 2 weeks ago

South Africa elections 2024: Ten key people who could shape it

Al Jazeera  

Elections in the country are won based on party popularity, but some personalities are driving the discourse. Cyril Ramaphosa Current South African president and head of the ANC, Ramaphosa is gunning for his second and final election although his party’s standing is set to prove his biggest challenge. John Steenhuisen Head of the official opposition Democratic Alliance, Steenhuisen, 48, is …

South Africa election: How Mandela’s once revered ANC lost its way with infighting and scandals
7 months, 2 weeks ago

South Africa election: How Mandela’s once revered ANC lost its way with infighting and scandals

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — For years, the African National Congress rose above politics in South Africa. South Africans will vote on May 29 in a national election that could be the biggest rejection yet of the ANC, which has governed one of Africa’s most important countries largely unchallenged since it led the fight to bring down apartheid. Here’s how …

South Africa’s election might be a defining moment — with new complications. Here’s what to know
7 months, 3 weeks ago

South Africa’s election might be a defining moment — with new complications. Here’s what to know

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa’s election will determine how weary the country has become of the ruling African National Congress party, which has been in power since the end of the apartheid system of white minority rule 30 years ago. Supporters of Inkatha Freedom Party attend an election rally in Richards Bay, near Durban, South Africa, Sunday, May …

South Africa remembers an historic election every April 27. Here’s why this year is so poignant
8 months, 2 weeks ago

South Africa remembers an historic election every April 27. Here’s why this year is so poignant

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africans celebrate their “Freedom Day” every April 27, when they remember their country’s pivotal first democratic election in 1994 that announced the official end of the racial segregation and oppression of apartheid. HEROES FILE — A crowd of people sing and give peace signs during a lunchtime peace march in downtown Johannesburg, South Africa, …

‘Free at last’: When South Africa voted in democracy, kicked out apartheid
8 months, 2 weeks ago

‘Free at last’: When South Africa voted in democracy, kicked out apartheid

Al Jazeera  

Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna covered the transition from apartheid to democracy. Onlookers erupted in a refrain that I’d heard at so many protest meetings through the dark apartheid years: “Viva Mandela, viva, viva the ANC, viva.” He shuffled forward to where some microphones had been positioned, the smile fading as he acknowledged the import of what had just happened in …

South Africa: 30 years after apartheid, what has changed?
8 months, 2 weeks ago

South Africa: 30 years after apartheid, what has changed?

Al Jazeera  

Big socio-political gains have followed apartheid but the legacy of racism and segregation is still starkly visible. From the late 1950s, some 3.5 million Black South Africans were forced to relocate from urban areas, and some 70 percent of the population was squeezed into 13 percent of the country’s most unproductive land. “It was because there was an internal criticism …

South Africa marks ‘Freedom Day,’ 30 years since apartheid ended, amid discontent with the ANC
8 months, 2 weeks ago

South Africa marks ‘Freedom Day,’ 30 years since apartheid ended, amid discontent with the ANC

LA Times  

Nelson Mandela casts his vote on April 27, 1994, near Durban, South Africa, in the country’s first all-race elections. South Africans celebrated their “Freedom Day” on Saturday, commemorating their country’s pivotal first democratic election on April 27, 1994, that announced the official end of the racial segregation and oppression of apartheid. The first all-race election saw the previously banned African …

Why South Africa is facing a turning point in May's national election
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Why South Africa is facing a turning point in May's national election

The Hindu  

Polls suggest South Africa will face a historic turning point in a national election in May as the ruling African National Congress could lose its majority for the first time since coming to power in the country's first all-race vote at the end of apartheid in 1994. The overriding sentiment is that the ANC has failed to significantly improve the …

Why South Africa is facing a turning point in May’s national election and who the major players are
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Why South Africa is facing a turning point in May’s national election and who the major players are

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Polls suggest South Africa will face a historic turning point in a national election in May as the ruling African National Congress could lose its majority for the first time since coming to power in the country’s first all-race vote at the end of apartheid in 1994. That would force the ANC into a coalition …

South Africa sets May 29 elections that could be the most pivotal since apartheid ended
10 months, 2 weeks ago

South Africa sets May 29 elections that could be the most pivotal since apartheid ended

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa will hold pivotal national elections May 29 as polls show the ruling African National Congress could lose its majority for the first time since it came to power with the fall of apartheid 30 years ago. Several polls predict that the party once widely admired across the world and led by Nelson Mandela …

Pressure mounts on South Africa’s ruling party as unemployment rises again ahead of election
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Pressure mounts on South Africa’s ruling party as unemployment rises again ahead of election

Associated Press  

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — South Africa’s unemployment rate, already the highest in the world, rose to 32.1% in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to official government figures released on Tuesday. The Quarterly Labor Force Survey reported that the number of unemployed working-age people in South Africa rose to 7.9 million after 46,000 more became unemployed in the last …

South Africa’s ANC party could fall below 50% of the vote — a first since white minority rule’s end
55 years ago

South Africa’s ANC party could fall below 50% of the vote — a first since white minority rule’s end

Associated Press  

‏‏‎ ‎ DATE OF ELECTION Between mid-May and August TYPE OF ELECTION Parliamentary and provincial legislatures. South Africans vote for a political party and not for presidential candidates in general elections. WHO’S RUNNING President Cyril Ramaphosa will be seeking reelection for a second and final term but early polls indicate his ruling African National Congress party — the party once …

South Africa’s ruling party marks its 112th anniversary ahead of a tough election year
11 months, 4 weeks ago

South Africa’s ruling party marks its 112th anniversary ahead of a tough election year

Associated Press  

JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s ruling African National Congress party will celebrate Saturday the 112th anniversary of its establishment ahead of national elections, expected to be the toughest since it came to power in 1994. Political analyst at the University of South Africa, Dirk Kotze, told The Associated Press that the ANC’s biggest threat was not from the opposition gaining more …

The year of elections – Is 2024 democracy’s biggest test ever?
1 year ago

The year of elections – Is 2024 democracy’s biggest test ever?

Al Jazeera  

More than two billion people across 50 countries are expected to go the polls this year – here are 10 major elections to watch. “Bangladesh’s 2024 election can become the most consequential election in the history of the country,” said Ali Riaz, chair of the Department of Politics and Government at Illinois State University. An intense crackdown on his party …

Africa’s coups are part of a far bigger crisis
1 year, 3 months ago

Africa’s coups are part of a far bigger crisis

Hindustan Times  

FOR MANY years, coups in Africa seemed a thing of the past. On average across 36 countries more Africans would be willing to consider a military government than would rule it out “if elected officials abused their power”—which they often do. In a poll of 30 countries around the world released last month by Open Society Foundations, an NGO network, …

6 South African opposition parties to discuss forming alliance to challenge long-ruling ANC
1 year, 6 months ago

6 South African opposition parties to discuss forming alliance to challenge long-ruling ANC

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Six opposition parties announced Tuesday they will discuss forming an …

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