South Africa Prepares for Crucial May 29 Elections

South Africa Braces for Pivotal General Elections on May 29.

South Africa is gearing up for general elections on May 29 that are expected to be the most consequential in decades. Over 27 million registered voters will elect a new parliament, which will then appoint the president.

The ruling African National Congress (ANC), in power since the end of apartheid in 1994, is facing an unprecedented challenge to its dominance. Polls indicate the party risks losing its absolute majority for the first time amid growing public discontent over economic stagnation, unemployment, crime, inequality and decaying infrastructure. Corruption scandals have further eroded the ANC's reputation.

South Africans will elect the 400-member National Assembly under a proportional representation system. The newly-appointed lawmakers then vote for the president. While the ANC is expected to remain the largest party, some polls suggest it could win only around 40% of the vote, forcing it to seek coalition partners to stay in power.

The race has been shaken up by former president Jacob Zuma, who has launched a breakaway party called Spear of the Nation. An Ipsos poll shows it could clinch over 8% of the vote, capitalizing on Zuma's fervent support base despite his legal troubles.

The main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has formed a coalition with smaller parties aiming to unseat the ANC, though an Ipsos survey puts their combined vote share below 50%. The leftist Economic Freedom Fighters, projected at 11%, has been excluded.

A loss of the ANC's outright majority could lead to a fragmented parliament and protracted coalition talks. With high stakes, authorities are bracing for potentially volatile political shifts as results start trickling in within three days of voting.