Ballot Count is underway after the 5th independent democratic municipal election of South Africa which was held on Wednesday came to a halt.
This was seen as a stern test for Africa National Congress (ANC) as it feared that it may possibly lose its control on Pretoria, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth which have previously been its supporters.
ANC has had scandals which have wavered support from its electorate the main one being an order to repay taxpayers’ money spent on Jacob Juma’s private home.
The election saw ANC contest against the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the third force, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) which was led by former ANC youth leader, Julius Malema.
Opinion polls taken in the country have shown that the ANC party has lost popularity since the first elections in 1994.
About 200 parties participated in the elections that encompassed over 26 Million registered voters.
According to BBC, Zimbabweans living in South Africa have applauded the country for holding what they term as a truly democratic election.
It is reported that ANC has pocketed more than the 60% vote in every election since 1994, when the Legend Nelson Mandela was president.
With about 58% of results transmitted, the breakdown is as follows:
- Africa National Congress (ANC)
Councils won = 23
Seats = 1,233
Votes = over 7.7 million (52.66% support)
- Democratic Alliance (DA)
Councils won = 7
Seats = 449
Votes = over 4.2 million (29.05% support)
- Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)
Councils won = 0
Seats = 35
Votes = over 1 million (7.15% support)
Africa news reported Electoral body, IEC, press briefing as follows
- IEC says 77.8% of results for the polls had been captured.
- In terms of Section 5(1)(n) of the Electoral Commission Act, IEC SouthAfrica must declare results within 7 days after elections.
- IEC deployed 200,000 election officials to oversee conduct of the polls.
- 99% of results from Northern Cape finalized, only outstanding are a few wards in Sol Plaatjie Munic.
- In the Western Cape 84% completed, Eastern Cape almost 80% completed & Free State 74% completed. Mpumalanga 60% of results were completed.
- Both Kwa-Zulu Natal & North West reported 55% complete. Gauteng & Limpopo had completed 47%
