Zuma, ANC Win Big Despite Flaws

Zuma, ANC Win Big Despite Flaws

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa -- South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) party overcame factional infighting, a splinter party, a spotty governing record and the precarious position of its leader, Jacob Zuma, to win a sweeping victory in the country's general elections. Voting took place on April 22, with official results released over the weekend. The results clear the way for Zuma to be elected president by the new parliament once it is seated.

The ANC fell just short of a two-thirds majority that would have given it the power to change the country's constitution, and below its historic victory of nearly 70 percent following the fall of apartheid in 1994. But its overall performance of 65.9 percent was still a strong showing.

According to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the ANC will hold 264 seats in South Africa's 400-seat parliament. The Democratic Alliance (DA), led by white South African Helen Zille, retained its status as the country's official opposition, garnering 67 seats with 16.66 percent of the total vote.

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