The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) verifies election outcomes amidst the commencement of discussions about future negotiations
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has affirmed the outcomes of the national and provincial elections, despite Jacob Zuma's threats of "trouble." Both the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have expressed openness to forming coalitions with each other.
IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya announced on Sunday that, after thorough consideration of Section 57 of the Electoral Act, he was satisfied to declare the election results, which had been questioned by the Umkhonto we Sizwe party and 25 others. These parties had warned of legal action if the results were declared. Despite Zuma's warnings, the official declaration ceremony proceeded as planned on Sunday evening.
Just before Moepya's announcement at the Results Operations Centre (ROC) at Gallagher Estate, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula and DA leader John Steenhuisen declared their willingness to engage in negotiations. Mbalula stated they were open to discussions with all parties, guided not solely by ideology but by broader considerations. Steenhuisen, in a separate statement, affirmed their commitment to work with any party dedicated to South Africa's constitution.
During his address on Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa urged political parties to collaborate for the nation's benefit, emphasizing that the elections reflected the people's will. Ramaphosa stressed the need for parties to find common ground and work together despite their differences.
Earlier, the MK party and others demanded a delay in the results declaration and requested a recount. Zuma escalated tensions by warning of "trouble" if the declaration proceeded before their concerns were addressed.
Ministers from the security cluster assured that any disruption to the announcement or subsequent violence would be met with law enforcement intervention. Police Minister Bheki Cele emphasized the readiness of law enforcement to maintain peace and stability.
With the election results announced and the political landscape clarified, both the ANC and the DA reiterated their openness to coalition partnerships. Mbalula stated that the ANC was engaging with various parties, and coalition negotiations would be based on principles rather than ideology. Steenhuisen suggested the possibility of a coalition with the ANC to prevent the MK party from gaining power.
Despite the DA's efforts to build a pre-election opposition coalition, individual negotiations now prevail. There's internal debate within the ANC regarding coalition partners, with resistance to aligning with the DA for multiple reasons.
Meanwhile, ActionSA reaffirmed its stance as an unofficial opposition in parliament, indicating reluctance to form an agreement with the ANC.
IEC chairperson Mosotho Moepya announced on Sunday that, after thorough consideration of Section 57 of the Electoral Act, he was satisfied to declare the election results, which had been questioned by the Umkhonto we Sizwe party and 25 others. These parties had warned of legal action if the results were declared. Despite Zuma's warnings, the official declaration ceremony proceeded as planned on Sunday evening.
Just before Moepya's announcement at the Results Operations Centre (ROC) at Gallagher Estate, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula and DA leader John Steenhuisen declared their willingness to engage in negotiations. Mbalula stated they were open to discussions with all parties, guided not solely by ideology but by broader considerations. Steenhuisen, in a separate statement, affirmed their commitment to work with any party dedicated to South Africa's constitution.
During his address on Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa urged political parties to collaborate for the nation's benefit, emphasizing that the elections reflected the people's will. Ramaphosa stressed the need for parties to find common ground and work together despite their differences.
Earlier, the MK party and others demanded a delay in the results declaration and requested a recount. Zuma escalated tensions by warning of "trouble" if the declaration proceeded before their concerns were addressed.
Ministers from the security cluster assured that any disruption to the announcement or subsequent violence would be met with law enforcement intervention. Police Minister Bheki Cele emphasized the readiness of law enforcement to maintain peace and stability.
With the election results announced and the political landscape clarified, both the ANC and the DA reiterated their openness to coalition partnerships. Mbalula stated that the ANC was engaging with various parties, and coalition negotiations would be based on principles rather than ideology. Steenhuisen suggested the possibility of a coalition with the ANC to prevent the MK party from gaining power.
Despite the DA's efforts to build a pre-election opposition coalition, individual negotiations now prevail. There's internal debate within the ANC regarding coalition partners, with resistance to aligning with the DA for multiple reasons.
Meanwhile, ActionSA reaffirmed its stance as an unofficial opposition in parliament, indicating reluctance to form an agreement with the ANC.
