The newly elected South African parliament will meet for the first time on Friday, as political parties aim to form a coalition following general elections that did not produce a clear winner.
In the 400-seat National Assembly, lawmakers will appoint a Speaker and begin the process of electing the country’s president.
In a significant shift since the advent of democracy in 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) lost its absolute parliamentary majority in the May 29 vote, securing only 40% of the vote—its lowest-ever score. It will need support from other parties to govern.
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo ordered that the National Assembly’s first sitting will be on Friday, June 14, 2024.
The ANC has expressed its intention to collaborate with a wide range of parties to establish a government of national unity, a move that has sparked varied reactions even within its own ranks.
Meanwhile, discussions have continued over the weekend to plan a way forward.
In a surprising development, former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, which placed third in the election with 14.6% of the vote and 58 seats, announced its intention to appeal to prevent the new parliament from convening until a separate complaint about alleged election irregularities is resolved.
