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Early Election Results Show Strong Performance by Zuma’s MK Party

Early Election Results Show Strong Performance by Zuma's MK Party

As the election results continue to come in, initial indications suggest that Jacob Zuma’s nascent MK party is poised to challenge the ANC’s dominance in KwaZulu-Natal. There are signs that the MK party could significantly reduce the ANC’s majority, if not seize control of the province.

In traditional ANC strongholds, early results show Zuma’s MK party leading the ANC by over five percent, with the IFP in third place and the DA in fourth.

Patriotic Alliance Gains in the Western Cape

Across the country, particularly in the Western Cape, Gayton McKenzie’s Patriotic Alliance is showing strong numbers, eroding the DA’s support.

Projections from eNCA and CSIR

Television news channel eNCA predicts that the ANC will retain control of the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has forecasted a substantial 15% drop for the ANC in the final election results. According to Professor Pravesh Debba of the CSIR, their model predicts the final vote tally to be 42% for the ANC, 22% for the DA, 12.8% for the MK, and 9% for the EFF.

At the time of this prediction, the ANC had 41.5% of the vote, the DA 28.18%, the EFF 7.7%, the MK 7%, and the PA less than 2%. The PA is also expected to decline further.

The CSIR made this prediction with 8.5% of the votes counted. In the 2019 elections, their prediction was only 2% off the mark for major established parties. However, predicting results for new parties like the MK is challenging due to the lack of historical data. Professor Debba noted that the MK’s projection could be overstated due to this limitation.

In explaining the difficulties of forecasting for new parties, he referenced the EFF’s first election in 2014, where the model predicted 3-4%, but the EFF secured 8.39%.

The CSIR has been accurately predicting elections since 1999.

Current Vote Count

Most votes are coming in from smaller voting districts across the country. At 10.02% of the count, the ANC was below 50% at around 42% with just under 300,000 votes. The DA held steady in second place with 26.34% or 207,779 votes, the EFF at 8.1% or 63,932 votes, the MK at 7.6% or 60,115 votes, and the PA at 4.9% or 38,805 votes.

MK Party Criticizes IEC

The MK party has criticized the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) for “mismanaging the ongoing electoral process by undermining the constitutional rights of all South Africans to freely choose their government.” They argue that the commission “showed a lack of competence by ignoring to communicate critical changes to the Electoral Act, specifically Section 24,” regarding the requirement for voters to vote where they are registered.

Muzi Ntshingila, head of elections for the MK party, stated,

“This change was poorly communicated merely days before the elections, leading to widespread confusion and disenchantment among the electorate.”

He further added,

“Such missteps not only compromise the electoral process but also frustrated citizens whose primary concern is a change towards a better life from the pains of the (President Cyril) Ramaphosa-ANC.”

The MK party has called for the resignation of the IEC’s top management, accusing them of bringing the organization into disrepute.

Voting Delays Across the Country

Thousands of voters around the country were still in queues after midnight on Thursday, following the May 29 elections, which were marked by long lines, especially in the metros of Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town.

These significant delays were attributed to persistent glitches in the voter management devices (VMDs) at several municipalities, causing prolonged waiting times as voters queued to cast their ballots.

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Contributor

Written by Siphiwe Dlamini

Name: Siphiwe Dlamini
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Occupation: Journalist and Political Analyst

Profile:
Siphiwe Dlamini is a dynamic and passionate journalist and political analyst based in Johannesburg, South Africa. With a unique blend of academic expertise and practical experience, Siphiwe has established himself as a trusted voice in the field of journalism, particularly in political reporting and analysis.

Education:
Siphiwe holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, where he honed his skills in investigative reporting, news writing, and multimedia storytelling. Additionally, he pursued a degree in Political Science, deepening his understanding of political systems, international relations, and policy analysis. This interdisciplinary educational background equips him with a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape, enabling him to provide insightful commentary on current affairs.

Career:
Throughout his career, Siphiwe has demonstrated a commitment to journalistic integrity and a relentless pursuit of truth. He has worked for several prominent media outlets, including leading newspapers, television networks, and online platforms. His reporting has covered a wide range of topics, from domestic politics and social issues to international affairs and human rights.

Siphiwe's journalistic endeavors have taken him to the frontlines of major events, where he has provided on-the-ground coverage and in-depth analysis. His ability to contextualize complex political developments and communicate them effectively to diverse audiences has earned him recognition and respect within the industry.

Beyond his work in traditional media, Siphiwe is also actively engaged in public discourse, participating in panel discussions, debates, and academic conferences. He is committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic values through his journalism.

Expertise:
As a political analyst, Siphiwe possesses a keen analytical mind and a nuanced understanding of political dynamics. He is adept at dissecting political rhetoric, evaluating policy proposals, and forecasting future trends. His insightful commentary helps citizens navigate the complexities of governance and make informed decisions about their collective future.

Siphiwe's expertise extends beyond mere reporting; he is also deeply involved in advocacy efforts aimed at promoting press freedom, defending human rights, and fostering democratic governance. Through his work, he strives to amplify marginalized voices, hold power to account, and contribute to the advancement of a more just and equitable society.

In his pursuit of excellence, Siphiwe remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of journalism and serving as a catalyst for positive change in his community and beyond. With his unwavering commitment to truth, integrity, and social justice, he continues to inspire and empower others to engage critically with the world around them.

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