South Africa's ANC Slides to Historic Low as Local Vote Counts Near Completion

In the latest partial tally of South Africa's municipal elections, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) is on track for its poorest showing since the end of apartheid, with roughly one‑third of the vote recorded after about four‑fifths of ballots have been counted. The footage from Africanews' November 6 report captures the moment the numbers were released, underscoring a shift that analysts say could reshape the country's political landscape for years to come.

Counting Progress and the Emerging Picture

The video shows the election commission’s dashboard indicating that around eighty percent of precincts have reported their results. At that stage, the ANC's share of the vote stood at thirty‑two percent, a figure the channel describes as an "all‑time election low." The report emphasizes that this percentage reflects the partial count and that the final result could adjust slightly as the remaining twenty percent of votes are tallied.

While the ANC still leads the field, the gap between it and opposition parties has narrowed dramatically compared to previous local elections. The footage does not provide exact numbers for the challengers, but the visual graphics suggest a more competitive field, with several municipalities showing tight races.

Election observers featured in the video note that the trend mirrors a broader pattern of declining support for the ANC observed in recent national elections, where the party also faced a reduced share of the vote. The current local results, however, are the first to breach the thirty‑five percent threshold at this stage of counting, marking a symbolic moment for South African politics.

Historical Context of ANC Dominance

Since the first democratic elections in 1994, the ANC has been the dominant force in South Africa's political arena, governing at both national and local levels. The party's legacy is intertwined with the struggle against apartheid, a narrative that has long underpinned its electoral appeal. Over the decades, the ANC's vote share in local elections has typically hovered well above the fifty‑percent mark, cementing its control over municipalities across the country.

The current figure of thirty‑two percent, as reported by Africanews, therefore represents a stark departure from that historical norm. While the video does not delve into specific past percentages, the channel’s description of the result as an "all‑time low" signals that the ANC has never before dipped this low in any municipal contest.

Political commentators in the report point to a series of challenges that have eroded the party's standing: internal factionalism, service delivery protests, and a perception of corruption among some segments of the electorate. These factors, combined with the rise of well‑organised opposition movements, have contributed to a more fragmented political environment.

Implications for Local Governance

Municipal councils are responsible for delivering essential services such as water, electricity, and waste management. The ANC's reduced share of the vote could translate into fewer outright majorities in many councils, compelling the party to negotiate coalitions or power‑sharing agreements with smaller parties and independents.

The video’s correspondents highlight that such coalition dynamics could alter how policies are crafted at the local level. In municipalities where the ANC fails to secure a clear majority, opposition parties may gain leverage to demand greater accountability and influence budget allocations. This shift could lead to more competitive governance but also raises the risk of political stalemate if coalition talks stall.

Observers also note that the ANC’s performance may affect its capacity to implement national development programmes that rely on municipal cooperation. While the report does not provide details on specific programmes, the broader implication is that a weaker local foothold could complicate the party’s ability to roll out initiatives aligned with its national agenda.

Regional Reactions and the Role of Opposition

Across the country, opposition parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA), the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and a host of regional movements have welcomed the emerging results. The Africanews footage captures statements from opposition leaders who describe the ANC’s decline as a "democratic renewal" and a sign that voters are demanding better governance.

These parties have been campaigning on platforms that promise improved service delivery and anti‑corruption measures. While the video does not enumerate their exact vote shares, the visual charts suggest that several opposition groups are now within striking distance of winning control of key municipalities.

The report also references the broader African context, noting that South Africa’s electoral trends are being watched by other nations on the continent. The African Union and regional bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have historically highlighted South Africa’s political stability as a cornerstone of regional security. A shift in the balance of power at the municipal level could therefore have ripple effects, influencing how South Africa engages with its neighbours on issues ranging from trade to migration.

Public Sentiment and Voter Turnout

While the video does not provide precise turnout figures, the correspondents note a palpable sense of urgency among voters who turned out in large numbers across urban and rural precincts. Interviews captured on the ground reveal a mixture of hope and frustration: some citizens express optimism that a more competitive political field will lead to better service delivery, while others voice disappointment that the ANC, once seen as the guarantor of liberation, appears to be losing its grip.

The report underscores that the ANC’s decline is not uniform across all regions. In some provinces, the party still enjoys strong support, whereas in others, especially in metropolitan areas, opposition parties have made significant inroads. This geographic variation reflects the complex tapestry of South African politics, where local issues such as housing shortages, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits shape voter preferences.

Community leaders featured in the footage call for continued civic engagement, urging citizens to monitor the final stages of counting and to hold elected officials accountable regardless of party affiliation. Their message aligns with a broader African tradition of active citizen participation in democratic processes, a theme often highlighted during events like the Pan‑African Youth Forum and regional civic workshops.

Looking Ahead: What the Final Count May Reveal

With twenty percent of votes still to be counted, the final outcome could either cement the ANC’s historic low or see a modest rebound. The Africanews report cautions that while the current thirty‑two percent figure is a clear indicator of the party’s weakened position, the remaining ballots could still influence the final percentages, especially in tightly contested municipalities.

Analysts featured in the video suggest that even if the ANC were to improve its share slightly, the overall trend points toward a more pluralistic political environment. They anticipate that coalition governments may become the norm at the local level, prompting the ANC to adapt its strategies and possibly re‑evaluate its policy priorities to regain voter confidence.

Beyond the immediate election, the report hints at longer‑term implications for South Africa’s democratic trajectory. A more competitive municipal landscape could invigorate policy debates, encourage greater transparency, and foster a political culture where performance, rather than historical legacy, determines electoral success. As the continent watches, the unfolding results serve as a reminder that African democracies are dynamic, continually reshaped by the aspirations and demands of their peoples.

By Amara Diop, Staff Writer

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: africanews video report (06 November 2026); africanews; Global1.News