The leading South African party, ANC, wraps up its election campaign with a massive gathering.
The 71-year-old chairperson of the ruling party wants to secure another term in power. The ANC is the "only party" in South Africa that "has the ability to unite such a large number of people in one place," the president reiterated. "The public will determine if South Africa proceeds toward a brighter future under the ANC's guidance or revert to a dark past."
The upcoming election may mark the first time since the end of apartheid when the party of former freedom fighter Nelson Mandela fails to achieve an absolute majority. Polls predict that the ANC will have roughly 40-45% of the votes, resulting in it being the largest party but necessitating forming a coalition for the first time in its history.
Rising unemployment, a sluggish economy, widespread corruption, inequality, and persistent power outages have prompted disillusionment among many South Africans, leading them to turn away from the governing party. Nevertheless, millions of others remain faithful to the once liberation movement.
A total of 51 opposition groups are vying against the ANC. The center-right Democratic Alliance (DA), holding its last significant rally on Sunday, aims to grow its 20% share of the votes in 2019. The DA is particularly well-liked by the white minority and has its stronghold in the western province, which boasts the popular tourist destination of Cape Town.
The far-left party Fighters for Economic Freedom (EFF) may also present a challenge to the ANC. The party founded by former ANC member Julius Malema concluded its last rally in the northern town of Polokwane on Saturday.
Jacob Zuma, ex-president and previously head of the ANC, cannot be elected due to a conviction and thus cannot become president. However, his party, named after the former armed wing of the ANC - Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK - Spear of the Nation) - could win enough votes to have a say in possible coalition negotiations.
Although the DA trails under 25%, the EFF and MK are nearly at 10%.
Established at the onset of the 20th century, the ANC became one of the most crucial groups in the struggle against colonialism and the racist apartheid system in subsequent years. The party has governed South Africa since the inaugural democratic vote in 1994.
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Source: www.stern.de
