South Africa’s African National Congress remained the largest party in near-complete national tallies from this week’s municipal elections, but its support fell well short of a majority, setting the stage for coalition negotiations in cities across the country.

No party has a clear majority in several cities

With about 99% of votes counted, the ANC had roughly 31% nationally, compared with about 25% for the Democratic Alliance. The uMkhonto weSizwe party, formed by former president Jacob Zuma, was third with around 10%, Reuters reported Sunday.

The outcome continues a long decline for the ANC, which received just over 45% in the 2021 municipal elections, according to the Associated Press. It also lost its parliamentary majority in the 2024 national election, after which it entered a national unity government with the DA and smaller parties.

At the municipal level, several cities have no party with an outright majority. In Johannesburg, the DA led with about 35% of the vote against roughly 20% for the ANC, leaving both parties to seek partners if they want to govern, Reuters reported. The eventual arrangements will shape local councils responsible for services such as water, roads and rubbish collection.

The Electoral Commission said the results remain provisional while it considers objections, some of which can affect totals. It planned to announce the official results at 18:00 on Sunday. Coalition negotiations are expected to follow as parties work to assemble governing majorities in the councils.

Sources: Reuters (republished by Investing.com); Associated Press; Electoral Commission of South Africa (via gov.za).