2019 South African general election

2019 South African general election
沁水湾 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Election name	2019 South African general election
Country	South Africa
Type	parliamentary
Previous election	2014 South African general election
Seats for election	All 400 seats to the National Assembly of South Africa
Majority seats	201

2019 South African general election was a pivotal event in the history of South Africa, marking the sixth democratic elections in South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994. The election was held on May 8, 2019, and it saw the participation of major parties such as the African National Congress (ANC), led by Cyril Ramaphosa, the Democratic Alliance (DA), led by Mmusi Maimane, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema. The election was also notable for the involvement of other significant parties, including the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), led by Mangosuthu Buthelezi, and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), led by Pieter Groenewald.

Background

The 2019 South African general election took place against the backdrop of significant challenges facing South Africa, including high levels of unemployment in South Africa, poverty in South Africa, and corruption in South Africa. The African National Congress (ANC), which had been in power since 1994, was seeking to maintain its majority in the National Assembly of South Africa, while the opposition parties, such as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), were looking to gain ground. The election was also influenced by the legacy of former President of South Africa Jacob Zuma, who had been forced to resign in 2018 due to allegations of corruption and state capture. Other key figures, such as Nelson Mandela, Oliver Tambo, and Walter Sisulu, played important roles in shaping the country's history and informing the election. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) also had significant influences on the election.

Election system

The 2019 South African general election used a proportional representation system, where voters cast ballots for parties rather than individual candidates. The National Assembly of South Africa has 400 seats, which are allocated to parties based on their share of the national vote. The election was overseen by the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), which is responsible for ensuring the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. The IEC worked closely with other institutions, such as the Electoral Court of South Africa and the South African Police Service, to ensure a smooth and peaceful election. The Constitution of South Africa and the Electoral Act of South Africa provided the legal framework for the election.

Parties and candidates

A total of 48 parties participated in the 2019 South African general election, including the African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA), and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Other notable parties included the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), and the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP). The ANC, led by Cyril Ramaphosa, campaigned on a platform of economic growth and job creation, while the DA, led by Mmusi Maimane, focused on issues such as corruption and good governance. The EFF, led by Julius Malema, emphasized the need for land reform and economic empowerment for black South Africans. Other prominent politicians, such as Helen Zille, Lindiwe Sisulu, and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, played important roles in the election.

Campaign

The campaign for the 2019 South African general election was marked by intense competition between the major parties, with a focus on issues such as unemployment, poverty, and corruption. The ANC, which had been in power for 25 years, faced challenges from opposition parties, which criticized its record on job creation and economic growth. The DA and the EFF also clashed over issues such as land reform and affirmative action. The campaign was also notable for the use of social media by parties and candidates, with platforms such as Twitter and Facebook playing a significant role in shaping public opinion. The Sowetan, the Sunday Times, and the Mail & Guardian were among the media outlets that covered the election extensively.

Results

The results of the 2019 South African general election saw the African National Congress (ANC) emerge as the largest party, with 57.5% of the national vote. The Democratic Alliance (DA) came second, with 20.8% of the vote, while the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) secured 10.8%. The ANC won 230 seats in the National Assembly of South Africa, followed by the DA with 84 seats, and the EFF with 44 seats. Other parties, such as the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and the Freedom Front Plus (FF+), also won seats in the assembly. The election was notable for the strong performance of smaller parties, such as the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) and the Pan Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC).

Aftermath

The aftermath of the 2019 South African general election saw Cyril Ramaphosa inaugurated as President of South Africa for a five-year term. The ANC's victory was seen as a mandate for Ramaphosa's reform agenda, which includes measures to boost economic growth and tackle corruption. The opposition parties, including the DA and the EFF, vowed to hold the ANC accountable and push for greater transparency and accountability in government. The election also marked a significant shift in the balance of power in South African politics, with the ANC's majority reduced and the opposition parties gaining ground. The Parliament of South Africa and the National Council of Provinces played important roles in the post-election period, as did institutions such as the Public Protector of South Africa and the South African Human Rights Commission. The African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) also provided important regional context for the election. Category:2019 elections in Africa