South Africa local elections: ANC leads with nearly 32% of the vote

With 80% of ballots counted in South Africa’s municipal elections, the ANC is in the lead with nearly 32% of the vote, its worst result on record. The Democratic Alliance is in second place with just over 24%, up from nearly 22% in the 2021 local elections. Public anger over failures in water and electricity supply contributed to a protest vote against Cyril Ramaphosa’s party, a warning ahead of the 2029 general election. Turnout is estimated at 54.5%, compared with 46% in 2021.