A guide to what's next for South Africa and the key figures in unprecedented coalition talks
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — South Africa’s election has decided little, other than the African National Congress that liberated the country from apartheid in 1994 has lost its 30-year majority.
It remained the biggest party, though. With no one holding a majority, South Africa’s party leaders are embarking on coalition talks to form a government. South Africa has never had to do this due to the ANC’s long dominance.
There are four major political parties and at least eight with significant shares of the vote after last week’s election. It’ll be complicated.
Here’s a guide to some of the key figures and what might be coming next as South Africa enters uncharted territory.
PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA
Once a protege of Nelson Mandela, Ramaphosa, 71, has now overseen the worst election result in the ANC’s history. He is under pressure within his own party as well as with voters, but he managed to laugh when an official made a slip Sunday and referred to him as the “extinguished” president rather than distinguished. “I’m not yet extinguished,” Ramaphosa said.