South Africa: Ramaphosa votes in crucial local elections for the ANC

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa voted in Johannesburg on Wednesday in local elections crucial for the ANC, which has governed since the end of apartheid. The party is campaigning amid deteriorating roads, water and electricity shortages, stark inequality and unemployment above 30%. After winning 45.5% in the 2021 local elections and 40% in the May 2024 general election, the ANC is forecast in polls to fall below 40%, possibly to around a third of the vote. Results expected in the coming days should indicate the balance of political forces ahead of the next general election.