Political coalitions in South Africa: precarious stability
South African political parties face a major challenge: that of forming political coalitions to govern in the face of the decline of the ANC, the party in power since the end of apartheid. If the elections no longer produce a clear majority, this situation not only has repercussions at the local level, with municipalities in difficulty, but could also manifest itself at the national level.
To reflect on the future of political coalitions, a meeting was organized in Cape Town, bringing together the country’s different political parties. The President of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, recognizes the difficulties inherent in these coalitions, citing in particular the instability they can cause.
The African National Congress (ANC), which risks seeing its position weakened during the next general elections, is refusing for the moment to envisage a situation where it would not have a majority. However, the reality of political coalitions is such that a law aimed at regulating them has already been drafted. This initiative has aroused the anger of small political parties, who fear the appearance of an electoral threshold to participate in a coalition, thus calling democracy into question.
This new law should be finalized by the end of the year. It aims to structure political coalitions, providing a clear framework for their operation and guaranteeing a certain stability. However, it is essential that this legislation takes into account the concerns of small political parties so as not to compromise democratic pluralism.
In conclusion, political coalitions in South Africa are a major issue for the political future of the country. Faced with the decline of the ANC and the absence of a clear majority, it is crucial to find solutions to ensure government stability. The creation of a law governing coalitions is an important step, but it is essential to take into account the specificities and concerns of all the political parties involved. This is how the country will be able to guarantee a dynamic, transparent political system that respects democracy.