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South Africa's ruling ANC marks weakest election win

Saturday, 11 May 2019 9:05 PM [ Last Update: Saturday, 11 May 2019 9:11 PM ]

President Cyril Ramaphosa applauds as confetti is launched at the end of the results ceremony at the Independent Electoral Commission Results Center in Pretoria, South Africa Saturday, May 11, 2019. (Photo by AP)

South Africa's ruling African National Congress on Saturday marked its weakest victory in national elections in a quarter-century.

In an address to the country, returning President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to those who voted in South Africa's first election after the end of apartheid 25 years ago.

With all votes counted the ANC received 57.5% of the vote, down from 62% in 2014, the electoral commission said.

It was the worst-ever showing at the polls for the party of the late South African leader Nelson Mandela which has ruled since that 1994 election.

Voter turnout was another low at 65%, reflecting the frustration of many South Africans after corruption scandals around the ANC that led former president Jacob Zuma to resign last year under party pressure.

(Source: AP)

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