South Africa’s parliament has re-elected Cyril Ramaphosa as the country’s president in the wake of a groundbreaking coalition deal between the ruling African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA), the main opposition party, and several smaller parties.
This coalition marks a significant shift after the ANC lost its majority control in last month’s elections, securing only 159 out of 400 seats in the national assembly, according to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC).
The DA garnered 87 seats, while the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, backed by former President Jacob Zuma, obtained 58 seats.
Ramaphosa, addressing the need for unity after the election results, stated that citizens expect leaders to collaborate to address national needs.
After two weeks of intensive negotiations with opposition parties, the decision to re-elect Ramaphosa was finalised on Friday.
In his victory speech, President Ramaphosa celebrated the coalition’s formation and urged members to prioritise the interests of South Africans.
DA leader John Steenhuisen expressed optimism about the future, emphasising their commitment to serving the country and building a better future together.
“I think we get an opportunity today to write a new chapter for South Africa and that chapter I think we can make the best chapter ever. No party has got a majority. We are required to work together, and we are going to do it,” Steenhuisen added.
Ramaphosa is expected to include members from other parties in his cabinet, reflecting the collaborative nature of the new coalition government.
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