The governing African National Congress (ANC) is expected to be returned to office in South Africa’s parliamentary election, but with a reduced majority.
With almost 76% of district results declared, the ANC has won 57% of the ballot, well ahead of the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) on 22%.
The ANC, which has been in power since 1994, won 62% of the vote at the last general election in 2014.
Anger over the economy and corruption may have eroded its appeal.
The radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is in third place with 10%, based on the official results.
Based on the latest results, analysts predict the ANC will win the election with between 55% and 59% of the vote.
Turnout was about 65% in the twin parliamentary and provincial elections – a drop compared to the 73% registered five years ago.
Some six million young people did not register to vote.
Full results are due on Saturday.
That’s still quite an achievement for a party has presided over a decade of economic stagnation and entrenched corruption.
President Cyril Ramaphosa can now claim a mandate to trim a bloated cabinet, see off his rivals, and watch a revived justice system bring an end to a culture of impunity.
This has been a bad election for the opposition Democratic Alliance which lost votes, and failed to capitalise on the government’s mistakes.
