South Africa's election results may only be the start of a rocky political process. Here's why
The real politicking in South Africa may start after the election results are announced as the country faces the possibility of no outright winner
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — 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 has dominated South African politics for 30 years may lose its outright majority in the coming days.
While some opposition parties will proclaim that as a victory for change, it's unclear how the change would ultimately materialize should the ANC lose its majority.
The ANC is still far ahead of its next challenger in the partial results. Even the worst-case scenario for the ANC has it comfortably winning the most votes. But without a majority it would likely need a coalition to form a government and — in the first piece of business after the election — choose a president.
