South African Election: Opposition Alliance Chair Confident of Victory
On Wednesday, the chairperson of the talks that led to the formation of an alliance among South African opposition parties expressed confidence in their ability to secure victory in the upcoming May 29 election, potentially ending the African National Congress (ANC) government’s three-decade-long reign. The Multi-Party Charter (MPC), comprising 11 member parties, has rallied around broad policy priorities, including a commitment to a free market economy, to unseat the ANC in what is anticipated to be the most unpredictable election since apartheid ended.
William Gumede, who chaired the 2023 convention that resulted in the MPC, emphasized the historical significance of this election, stating, “This is our first election that will go to the wire.” Gumede, a professor of public management at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, highlighted the ANC’s failures, citing economic stagnation, inadequate delivery of essential services, and corruption.
The MPC’s policy platform advocates for constitutional adherence, the rule of law, free market economics, leveraging the private sector for service delivery, and a commitment to social justice and welfare reform. Notable parties include the Democratic Alliance (DA), which secured the second-largest vote share in the previous election, and ActionSA, led by former Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba. Other members include the socially conservative Inkatha Freedom Party and the Freedom Front Plus, which represent the interests of the white Afrikaner community.
Gumede emphasized the diversity within the alliance, emphasizing the need to harness South Africa’s racial, cultural, and business diversity to improve the country’s prospects. While the ANC has not publicly acknowledged the possibility of losing its majority or discussed potential coalition partners, Gumede and MPC member parties view a coalition with left-wing parties like the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) as the worst-case scenario.
According to a March poll by the Brenthurst Foundation, ANC support stands at 39%, with the opposition alliance parties collectively at 33%. Notably, 29% of respondents favored the MPC as their preferred coalition option. Gumede highlighted the significance of voter turnout, noting that dissatisfaction with the ANC could sway the election, particularly if disenchanted voters who abstained in 2019 decide to support MPC member parties.
In conclusion, with high dissatisfaction toward the ANC and the potential for a fragmented political landscape, the MPC sees an opportunity to secure victory in the upcoming election, signaling the potential for significant political change in South Africa.
